HB1471
To Amend The Expiration Date Of All Licenses Of The Board Of Examiners In Speech-language Pathology And Audiology.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to existing Arkansas law concerning licenses issued by the Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The primary change involves the expiration and renewal process for these licenses. Currently, licenses expire annually on June 30th. The bill would allow for renewals postmarked up to fifteen days after the expiration date to be considered timely, meaning the licensee would not be considered to be practicing without a license nor charged a late fee. However, renewals postmarked sixteen days or more after the expiration date would incur a late renewal penalty. This penalty amount would be equivalent to the monthly late penalty previously prescribed under a separate statute. The bill also clarifies that individuals renewing an expired license would not be required to undergo a new examination. The stated purpose is to amend the expiration date of all licenses issued by this specific board.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals holding licenses as speech-language pathologists and audiologists in Arkansas. Specifically, those who might occasionally miss the exact June 30th expiration deadline would benefit from the extended grace period. This grace period, extending fifteen days past the original expiration, would prevent them from inadvertently practicing without a valid license and avoid immediate penalties or the need for re-examination if they renew within this extended timeframe. The Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology would also see a procedural adjustment in their license renewal management.
Who Might Suffer?
This bill would not appear to directly negatively impact any specific groups or entities in a significant way. The core of the bill is to provide a grace period for license renewals and clarify the process for late renewals. While those who consistently pay their renewal fees on time would not see any change in their situation, those who might benefit from the grace period would experience a positive adjustment. The Board itself, while managing a slightly altered timeline for timely renewals, is also provided with clear guidelines for late renewals and penalties. There are no provisions in the text that suggest a direct financial or procedural disadvantage to any party.