Central Georgia News

The 2023 Georgia Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing, under the leadership of Chairman Sen. Larry Walker III, has concluded its investigation in Atlanta and presented vital recommendations that aim to fine-tune regulatory practices and stimulate economic growth. The main objective of these suggestions is to simplify licensing procedures across the state.

Chairman Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Majority Caucus, expressed pride in being part of the committee, working closely with Chairman Walker III and committed colleagues, according to a press release by the Georgia General Assembly. Emphasizing the importance of innovation and efficiency, he said they are creating a regulatory environment that protects public interests while encouraging economic growth. He expressed anticipation for the positive effect these proposals will have on every industry within Georgia.

In addition, Walker stated that these recommendations marked a pivotal stride towards an adaptable and efficient regulatory structure for Georgia's workforce in his statement released by the Georgia General Assembly press office. He expressed pride over the collective effort made by this committee to cater to the needs of their state.

As per a press release by the Georgia General Assembly, among other things, it was recommended that Senate Bill 157 be endorsed by the 2023 Georgia Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing to address changing workforce needs and industry dynamics. The committee backed changes proposed by The Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia with support from the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors aimed at simplifying internal mapping processes while upholding professional standards. Moreover, transferring operational functions and revenue generation responsibilities from the Georgia Board of Registration for Foresters to the Georgia Forestry Commission was also suggested as a means to enhance operational efficiency within their regulatory framework.

According to another announcement from the same source, there was backing for Secretary of State's Modernization Initiative for technological advancement. It was recommended that adequate funding should be provided for both Board of Nursing and Composite Medical Board while suggesting faster approval times for nursing protocol agreements. The committee championed universal recognition of licenses obtained from other states and proposed reducing the licensing process timeline from 90 to 30 days for expedited or endorsed licenses.

As per information provided by the Georgia General Assembly, Walker is serving as Secretary of Senate Majority Caucus, chairs Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor, and represents Senate District 20. The region covers several counties including Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, Wilcox and part of Houston County.