HB 2231 Summary

• Amends the sunset review process to require committees of reference to evaluate whether occupational regulations meet criteria in Section 41-3502 when reviewing agencies that administer occupational regulations.

• Allows committees of reference to recommend that the legislature repeal occupational licenses, convert them to less restrictive regulations, or instruct agencies to seek legislative or rule changes regarding personal qualifications and scope of practice.

• Transfers Title 32, Chapter 44 (Arizona Revised Statutes) to Title 41, Chapter 33 and adds Section 41-3501 with definitions for occupational regulations including "occupational license," "government registration," "government certification," and "less restrictive regulation."

• Establishes criteria in Section 41-3502 requiring that professions and occupations be regulated only in the least restrictive manner when necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare, with actual harm evidence required before regulation is imposed.

• Requires applicant groups proposing new professional or occupational regulations to submit written reports to the legislature by September 1, with legislative committees of reference reviewing and making recommendations by the third Friday in January.