Mansfield Times

The Ohio General Assembly will soon commence its mandatory occupational licensure review, led by State Rep. Marilyn John (R-Richland County), Chairwoman of the House State and Local Government Committee. As per Ohio law, one-third of all licensing boards and commissions must undergo review every two years. The House State and Local Government Committee will oversee the review process, which will kick off with a series of committee meetings scheduled for September 19th, 20th, 26th, and 27th.

According to R.C. Section 101.63, each licensing board is obligated to prepare and submit a report to the committee, outlining its operations and demonstrating how it fulfills a public need. These reports must cover crucial information such as the board's primary purpose, goals, governing structure, and funding sources. The boards will have the opportunity to summarize their reports and testify before the committee during the upcoming hearings in late September.

The aim of this review process is fourfold: to ensure each board is fulfilling its statutory purpose, to remove unnecessary barriers to workforce entry, to promote professional development and job creation, and to align Ohio's occupational license standards with those of other states.

State Rep. Marilyn John, who was actively involved in the review process during the previous General Assembly, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming hearings, highlighting the bipartisan support the review received previously. She stated, "It is an honor and a privilege for our committee to be entrusted with this important task, and I look forward to working with you to deliver for our fellow Ohioans."

The hearings in October will also provide an opportunity for members of the public and interested parties to provide testimony before the committee.

The following boards and agencies will be up for review:

- Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission

- State Cosmetology and Barber Board

- Accountancy Board

- Department of Agriculture

- Architects Board and Ohio Landscape Architects Board

- Ohio Casino Control Commission

- Department of Commerce – Division of Financial Institutions

- Department of Commerce – Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing

- Department of Commerce – Superintendent of Industrial Compliance

- Motor Vehicle Repair Board

- Department of Public Safety – Bureau of Motor Vehicles

- Department of Public Safety

- State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors

- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

- State Racing Commission

- Secretary of State

The upcoming licensure review hearings in Ohio are expected to play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of various licensing boards and agencies. By removing unnecessary barriers to entry in the workforce and promoting professional development, Ohio aims to align its occupational license standards with those of other states, ultimately benefiting the state's economy and its residents.

To learn more, click on this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/marilyn-s-john/news/john-looks-forward-to-upcoming-licensure-review-hearings-117116