The bill amends Section 5-35.2-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-35.2, which pertains to the qualifications required for optician applicants. The amendment introduces a new pathway for qualification by allowing applicants to become licensed opticians if they have successfully completed an apprenticeship program registered in accordance with chapter 45 of title 28. This apprenticeship program must consist of at least 4,100 hours over a minimum of two years, in addition to meeting the approval of the applicable requirements of this section. Furthermore, the bill removes the previous requirement for applicants to demonstrate "good moral character."

The bill also specifies that applicants who are or have been licensed in another jurisdiction must present evidence of their qualifications, including high school graduation, completion of a two-year school of opticianry or a two-year opticianry apprenticeship program, holding a valid license for at least one year in good standing, practicing opticianry for not less than one year, and passing both the national opticianry competency examination and a practical exam approved by the department. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7297: 5-35.2-2