Governor Brian Kemp has enacted several new laws aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles and facilitating the licensing process for small business owners in Georgia. These measures are designed to streamline operations, reduce paperwork, and provide easier access to licenses.
Senate Bill 96 is among the new legislation, targeting state boards that are redundant or inactive. House Bill 113 aims to safeguard state agencies by monitoring tech companies with potential foreign government affiliations that may pose threats.
The focus of these legislative changes is primarily on expediting the licensing process for small business owners and workers. Hunter Loggins, NFIB State Director, commented on the impact of these changes: “Georgia small business owners want to spend their time running their businesses, not dealing with confusing rules. These new laws help simplify the system and make it easier for Main Street businesses to grow.”
Key legislative updates include:
– HB 148 introduces two new pathways for becoming a certified public accountant while maintaining high standards.
– HB 322 permits the Georgia Board of Dentistry to issue teaching licenses to out-of-state dentists who are educating in Georgia schools.
– HB 579 allows quicker license approvals by enabling the Licensing Board’s director to directly approve certain licenses.
– HB 630 simplifies the licensing process for used car and parts dealers while ensuring consumer protection.
– HB 635 revises contractor licensing rules to be fairer and more comprehensible.
– SB 125 enables engineers and land surveyors to take licensing exams earlier and updates continuing education requirements for contractors.
