Bill > SB51

This bill establishes the Sunrise Review Board, a new seven-member board within the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, designed to carefully evaluate proposed changes to professional and occupational licensing. The board will include representatives from various state departments, an attorney from the Department of Law, a business or accounting professional, and a health and safety expert, all serving staggered three-year terms without compensation but receiving travel expenses. The board's primary function is to review proposed legislation that would create, modify, or eliminate professional licenses, with the goal of promoting economic development and lowering unnecessary barriers to entry in professions and occupations. When reviewing proposed licensing changes, the board must comprehensively assess potential public harm, the necessity of regulation, alternative regulatory approaches, and the potential costs and benefits to the state, practitioners, and consumers. The board will prepare detailed reports for each review, recommending the least-restrictive regulatory approach, which could range from consumer protection act enhancements to formal licensure, depending on the specific circumstances. The bill aims to ensure that any new professional licensing requirements are justified, cost-effective, and truly necessary for public protection, with the board providing an independent, thorough evaluation of proposed licensing changes.

Business and Industry

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB51