Sponsor pitches licensing deadlines and military exemptions for LARA; committee hears bill

Representative Steele testified on house bill 4 9 3 3, describing a substitute that reflected departmental requests. The bill would set service expectations for the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) by requiring that LARA issue or deny licenses within specified deadlines — not more than 90 days for typical licenses and 30 days for real estate brokers — and provide a refund or discount if those deadlines are not met. Steele said applicants would receive a 15% refund or a 15% discount on their next renewal if the department misses the statutory deadline.

Steele also highlighted a provision to exempt deployed military members from fees and continuing-education obligations while deployed, saying the change protects their professional standing during service. He said the department indicated it needed time to put implementation processes in order but supported the policy direction.

Committee members asked about department impacts and implementation; Steele said the department had requested time to develop processes to facilitate the change. With no further business, the committee adjourned.