Willie Preston

Creates the PRIOR Act. Defines terms. Provides that a Pre-Regulatory Impact Assessment shall be completed and presented to the General Assembly before legislation creating a new occupational regulation, expanding the scope of practice of a licensed occupation, or increasing the personal qualification for an occupational regulation can be voted on by a committee or the General Assembly. Provides that, on or before the first day of the General Assembly's legislative session, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, and the Chair of each relevant committee shall assign to the relevant committee or legislative staff the responsibility to analyze legislation creating a new occupational regulation, expanding the scope of practice of a licensed occupation, or increasing the personal qualifications for an occupational regulation and the accompanying Pre-Regulatory Impact Application submitted by proponents of the legislation. Provides that the designated staff are responsible for (i) reviewing legislation that requires a Pre-Regulatory Impact Assessment to ensure the least restrictive regulation is being proposed and (ii) preparing a Pre-Regulatory Impact Assessment that shall be considered with the legislation by the General Assembly. Provides that a proponent of a piece of legislation shall submit a Pre-Regulation Impact Application to the designated staff. Sets forth requirements for an application. Sets forth actions that designated staff may take. Sets forth a temporary moratorium on the creation of new occupational regulations. Effective immediately.