Minutes for SB10 - Committee on Commerce

Short Title

Enacting the right to earn a living act to minimize unnecessary occupational licensing and regulation.

Minutes Content for Wed, Jan 27, 2021

Chairman Olson opened the hearing on the bill. He called upon Charles Reimer for an Office of Revisor of Statutes overview of the bill.

Chairman Olson called upon Senator Richard Hilderbrand for primary proponent testimony on the bill. Senator Hilderbrand explained that the bill is calling for the review of potentially out of date laws that no longer serve their purpose.

(Attachment 3)

Chairman Olson called upon James Franko for proponent testimony on the bill. Mr. Franko asserted that this bill provides a structure upon which the burdens of occupational licensing be broken down and hopefully make economic opportunity for working people more achievable.

(Attachment 4)

Chairman Olson called upon Elizabeth Patton for proponent testimony on the bill.Ms. Patton demonstrated strong support for occupational licensing reform efforts. She pointed out that licensing are particularly burdensome for those experiencing financial hardship as they seek career paths and critical services for their families.

(Attachment 5)

Chairman Olson called upon Steven Greene for proponent testimony on the bill. Mr. Greene suggested that this bill is about cleaning up the occupational code and keeping Kansas as competitive as possible.

(Attachment 6)

Chairman Olson called upon Larry Carnes for primary opponent testimony on the bill. Mr. Carnes asserted that the bills standards are vague and do not provide a clear expectation as to the broad analysis to be performed. Mr. Carnes criticized the "least restrictive" standard of the bill that he felt unnecessarily exposes government agencies to legal expense and liabilities.

(Attachment 7)

Chairman Olson called upon Alexandra Blasi for opponent testimony on the bill. Ms. Blasi indicated serious concerns with the bill's timeline, standard of review and liability, and the potential fiscal impact the bill's methods might impose.

(Attachment 8)

Chairman Olson recognized David Hoffman for opponent testimony on the bill. Mr. Hoffman stated that he felt the bill's standards were vague and costly to maintain compliance.

(Attachment 9)

Chairman Olson recognized Tucker Poling for opponent testimony on the bill. Mr. Tucker asserted that the League opposed the bill because it preempts the cities to maintain licensing programs and provide improvements.

(Attachment 10)

Chair Olson recognized Michelle Meier for opponent testimony on the bill. Ms. Meier requested an exemption for law enforcement certification.

(Attachment 11)

OPPONENTS (Written Only)

Rachelle Columbo, Kansas Medical Society

(Attachment 12)

Sean Simms, American Society of Landscape Architects

(Attachment 13)

David Lee, Kansas Society of Land Surveyors

(Attachment 14)

Susan Somers, Kansas Board of Accountancy

(Attachment 15)