Alabama considers reorganization of boards
The Alabama Senate has approved a bill that would establish a new centralised Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within the Department of Workforce to provide administrative support, oversight and coordination for certain state licensing boards that may struggle with staffing, budgeting or compliance challenges. While the measure preserves each board’s authority over professional standards, rulemaking and discipline, it would allow the Alabama Sunset Committee to recommend that specific boards be moved under the new office to improve efficiency and operations. Amendments adopted during debate clarified notice requirements and ensured boards have an opportunity to address deficiencies before being shifted, but lawmakers rejected a proposal to prevent well-functioning boards from ever coming under the office’s purview. The bill passed the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.