Secretary Handel Announces Support of Legislation Requiring Scheduled Review of Regulatory Boards

Atlanta (February 16, 2009) – Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today announced the introduction of legislation that would require the Georgia Occupational Regulatory Review Council (GORRC) to perform a periodic review of each board currently regulated by Title 43 of the Georgia Code.

The legislation, sponsored by Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth) and Rep. Roger Williams (R-Dalton), will require GORRC to evaluate and determine if the particular regulation is still necessary; if the regulation provides adequate consumer protection; and assess the overall cost effectiveness and economic impact of the regulation. 

"I want to thank Sen. Shafer and Rep. Williams for partnering with me to reform Georgia's regulatory processes," Secretary Handel said. "Regulation and oversight must not obstruct the free market and economic growth. This legislation will force each and every board that we regulate to prove its necessity, and ensure that the amount of regulation meets the needs of the industry today."

The Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards Division provides administrative support services to 36 professional licensing boards that issue 197 types of licenses to more than 400,000 Georgians in various professions. In Spring 2008, Handel ordered a comprehensive external audit of the Division's operations, which found numerous inefficiencies. Handel has since streamlined the Division by reorganizing and consolidating employee functions, cutting positions and implementing proven business principles. 

Secretary Handel added, "Through a scheduled review of regulatory boards and their policies, we will also increase government transparency and the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars." 

GORRC is comprised of the following or their designee: the Comptroller General; the Secretary of State; the commissioner of Human Resources; the director of Office of Planning and Budget; the commissioner of Natural Resources; the State Revenue Commissioner; the Commissioner of Agriculture; the administrator of the Fair Business Practices Act of 1975; the chairperson of the legislative committee of reference; and the chairperson of that standing committee of the General Assembly appointed by the presiding officer.