Panel introduces RS 32853 proposing a board merger; division defers line‑by‑line review

Ryan Bernard, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Bureau Chief for the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, presented RS 32853 and described the draft as aimed at accomplishing a board merger. "This bill seeks to merge the Board of Denturity into the Board of Dentistry," Bernard said during his presentation; he also told the committee he could either walk through each section at the print hearing or defer that review to a full hearing.

Bernard said the division has focused on statutory language needed to complete a merger and suggested rule changes could follow after the merger is accomplished. Representative Rubell moved to introduce RS 32853 and the Chair called for a voice vote; the motion passed. Bernard did not present specific budget or implementation details at the print hearing and the committee did not take further action beyond introduction.