HB5516 - Regulatory Sunrise Review Act

• Establishes the Sunrise Review Unit within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to evaluate applications requesting regulation of previously unregulated professions or occupations, or expansions of scope of practice.

• Requires applicants to submit detailed information including public health/safety harms, current consumer protections, educational requirements, costs, and comparison with other states' regulations.

• Authorizes the Department to request public notice of applications, hold public hearings, and consider input from practitioners, professional organizations, and opposition groups during the review process.

• Requires the Department to submit a final report to the General Assembly with analysis of whether the applicant met criteria and a recommendation on the type of regulation needed (full licensure or title protection).

• Establishes non-refundable application fees deposited into the General Professions Dedicated Fund, with applicants having one year to complete the review process; takes effect January 1, 2022.