SB 296

This bill requires the Department of Safety and Professional Services to

establish and maintain an electronic self-certification registry that allows

individuals certified by state-approved supporting organizations to apply to be able

to use the title “state certified” in conjunction with their practice.

Under the bill, an organization that exists solely to serve or benefit individuals

who work in one or more particular occupations or professions, whether as a

Wisconsin organization, a national organization, or a Wisconsin chapter of a national

organization (supporting organization), may apply to DSPS for inclusion in the

registry. If DSPS determines, following an application process that includes a public

hearing, that approving the supporting organization will improve consumer

protection in this state, DSPS must include the supporting organization in the

registry. If DSPS includes a supporting organization in the registry, an individual

who is certified by that supporting organization may apply to DSPS to be included

in the registry, and an individual who is so included in the registry may then use the

title “state certified” in conjunction with his or her profession or occupation. DSPS

must make certain information available through its Internet site, including a list

of approved supporting organizations and searchable registers of individuals

included in the registry.

Under the bill, DSPS is limited to approving five supporting organizations for

inclusion in the registry, and the bill requires DSPS, within two years after first

approving a supporting organization for inclusion in the registry, to report to the

legislature with certain information about the registry and DSPS's

recommendations regarding the continuation of the registry or the elimination of the

cap on approved supporting organizations.

In addition, the bill requires DSPS, within one year after the bill is enacted, to

report to the legislature on whether there are supporting organizations

corresponding to a number of specified professions and occupations for which a state

license, permit, or certificate is currently required, as well as recommendations

regarding whether any of those license, permit, or certificate requirements should

be repealed.