BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1996
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 1996 (Hill)
As Amended April 14, 2010
Majority vote
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS 11-0 APPROPRIATIONS 12-1
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|Ayes:|Hayashi, Emmerson, |Ayes:|Fuentes, Conway, Ammiano, |
| |Conway, Eng, | |Coto, Davis, Bonnie |
| |Hernandez, Hill, Ma, | |Lowenthal, Hall, Nielsen, |
| |Nava, Niello, | |Skinner, Solorio, |
| |Ruskin, Smyth | |Torlakson, Hill |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | |Nays:|Miller |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Increases the chiropractic license renewal fee from $150
to $210, effective July 1, 2011, and between $245 and $295, as
determined by the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (BCE),
effective July 1, 2012.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee
analysis, annual increased fee-supported special fund revenues of
$1.3 million to support enforcement and administration workload for
the Board of Chiropractic Examiners (Board).
COMMENTS : According to the author's office, "BCE has implemented
significant consumer protection changes that are necessary to
fulfill its consumer protection mandate. For example, in 2008, the
BCE expanded its enforcement program to include a permanent field
investigation and inspection program. Continued improvements to
investigations are very important for consumer protection, but
require resources.
"With these necessary enhancements in the BCE's enforcement program
and the increase in costs of doing business, the BCE's current
revenue is inadequate to pay for the level of service that is needed
to protect consumers. The BCE expends approximately 70% of its
operating budget on enforcement. If the renewal fee remains at its
current level, the BCE's fund will be insolvent in FY 2010-11, and
the BCE will be forced to make drastic cuts to its enforcement
program."
The BCE was created on December 21, 1922 by initiative. Governed by
AB 1996
Page 2
a seven member board appointed by the Governor, BCE is comprised of
five licensed doctors of chiropractic and two public members. BCE
regulates the chiropractic profession in California, protecting
Californians from licensed and unlicensed individuals who engage in
fraudulent, negligent, or incompetent practice. The BCE oversees
approximately 14,000 licensees and 18 chiropractic schools and
colleges located throughout the United States and Canada.
The BCE's annual budget is funded exclusively by the profession
through licensing and other regulatory fees. The BCE allocates
approximately 70% of its total operating budget to enforcement
related activities.
The BCE has not raised fees since 1991, and though BCE comes in
under budget each year, expenditures currently exceed revenue by
approximately $1 million. Expenditures will increase further as the
BCE fully implements its newly expanded enforcement program.
Analysis Prepared by : Sarah Weaver / B.,P. & C.P. / (916)
319-3301 FN: 0004071