Peach Tree Times

Last week, Georgia's Senate gave its unanimous approval to House Bill 579, a comprehensive reform of the state's occupational licensing regulations. The bill, resulting from the work of the Joint Blue-Ribbon Committee on Licensing, where Sen. Larry Walker served, introduces several changes to streamline licensing processes. Among these changes, the professional licensing board division staff are now authorized to issue licenses routinely once applicants meet all requirements. Additionally, the director of the division can provisionally license individuals prior to examination and extend the timeframe for license renewals post-expiration.

Commenting on the bill's passage, Sen. Walker stated, "The current bureaucratic occupational licensing process only makes it more difficult for skilled workers to do their jobs. With HB 579, we are streamlining the rules and procedures for occupational licensure to stimulate the growth of our businesses and trades. By removing the red tape that impedes our trained professionals and removing this barrier to work, this legislation still maintains the integrity of our licensed workforce, ultimately promoting the welfare of all Georgians. The full passage of House Bill 579 is an especially significant win for Senate District 20, and I believe it will be a tremendous boon for hundreds of thousands of skilled Georgia workers working in licensed trades."

Following the bipartisan support from the Senate, House Bill 579 will now be sent to the Governor for final approval.

Sen. Larry Walker, who serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor, represents the 20th Senate District. The district includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski, and Wilcox counties, as well as parts of Houston County. He can be contacted at (404) 656-0095 or via email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

For media inquiries, contact SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.