Senate Executive Departments and Administration Committee
Ben Mickens 271-1403
HB 1312, relative to the authority of various boards.
Hearing Date: April 1, 2026
Time Opened: 10:37 a.m. Time Closed: 11:03 a.m.
Members of the Committee Present: Senators Pearl, Gannon, Altschiller and Reardon
Members of the Committee Absent : None
Bill Analysis: This bill:
I. Authorizes boards under the purview of the office of professional licensure and certification to establish subcommittees, subject to rules established by the office.
II. Removes the authority of the board of registration in optometry to modify the list of approved pharmaceuticals for use by optometrists.
III. Removes the authority of the board of accountancy to establish administrative fines by rule.
Sponsors:
Rep. Layon | Rep. Grote | Sen. Reardon |
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Who supports the bill: Senator Tara Reardon,
Who opposes the bill: No one.
Who is neutral on the bill: Deanna Jurius (OPLC), John Dejoie (NASW),
Summary of testimony presented in support: None.
Summary of testimony presented in opposition:
Steven Rancourt, ECBA
- Mr. Rancourt clarified he is there to speak on the underlying bill not the amendment
- Mr. Rancourt explained there is one concern with the underlying bill. The electricians board has a subcommittee which does work on certain items and is an important contribution to the work.
- Mr. Rancourt explains that most of these boards are volunteer boards and we do not wish or want to increase costs to the state or OPLC.
- Mr. Rancourt stated that the current statute and requirements on the boards are too convoluted and strenuous. These changes may cause more issues than it solves.
Neutral Information Presented:
Deanna Jurius, Director, OPLC
- Director Jurius explained that this legislation is primarily clean up from work done.
- Director Jurius stated that the optometry board expressed some concerns about their section of the bill and worked on clarifications offered as an amendment.
- Director Jurius further explained that the legislation also helps streamline OPLC rulemaking around board noticing and subcommittee formation, so staff are not overwhelmed.
- Director Jurius stated that the amendment helps clarify some language while achieving the same goals as the original bill. The amendment further clarifies standards for education programs. The final changes relate to an organization responsible for nominating members that has since dissolved. There are further clarifications to give the board more leeway in when to meet and bring the language in line with other boards.
Senator Altschiller asked for clarity on lines 12-16 of the amendment.
Director Jurius explained that the language used is maintained from current statute.
Senator McGough asked about why there needs to be changes on approval references for pharmaceutical agents.
Director Jurius stated this had more to do with practice than her regulatory side and someone could clarify later.
BM
Date Hearing Report completed: April 7, 2026