BILL ANALYSIS Ó SB 1215 Page 1 Date of Hearing: August 8, 2012 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair SB 1215 (Emmerson) - As Amended: April 12, 2012 Policy Committee: Business and Professions Vote: 9-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill establishes a "retired" and "retired volunteer service" licensure option for optometrists licensed by the California Board of Optometry (Board), and sets fees of $25 one-time and $50 biennially, respectively, for the two options. This bill also deletes language authorizing the Board to define "temporary practice," and instead defines "temporary practice." FISCAL EFFECT Possible minor reductions in fee revenue to the State Optometry Fund. Individuals who pursue the licensure options created by this bill and pay fees of $25 one-time or $50 biennially may otherwise pay a biennial renewal fee of $425 for inactive licensure status. On the other hand, if this bill were enacted, some individuals who otherwise pay nothing, and allow their license to enter delinquent status, may instead pursue a retired license status and pay $25-$50 in licensure fees. The net impact on licensure fee revenue is unknown. Under current law, the board is authorized to increase a variety of fees related to their licensees, subject to statutory maximum levels. If there are minor revenue reductions to the State Optometry Fund, fee increases in other areas may be necessary in order to replace lost revenue. COMMENTS 1)Rationale . The author indicates establishing retiree licensure status options provides a more appropriate option to SB 1215 Page 2 reflect a retired optometrist's status. Currently, the only options available to a retired optometrist who no longer wishes to practice are to either apply for inactive status and pay a $425 biennial fee, or to let her license become delinquent and eventually expire. In addition, the Board, which is sponsoring and supporting this bill, states simplifying the process of obtaining a retired license with volunteer designation will encourage retired optometrists to volunteer, increasing access to care for many underserved communities. 2)Previous Legislation . AB 431 (Ma) Chapter 395, Statutes of 2011 and AB 2191 (Emmerson), Chapter 548, Statutes of 2010 addressed retired status for licensees of the California Board of Accountancy and the Board of Behavioral Sciences, respectively. AB 2848 (Hernandez) of 2008 allowed optometrists to apply for a retired license. AB 2848 died on the Inactive File of the Senate Floor. Analysis Prepared by : Lisa Murawski / APPR. / (916) 319-2081