STATEHOUSE (March 15, 2010) - State Sen. Ryan Mishler’s bill addressing problems of too many licensing boards and too few protections for consumers is on its way to the governor’s desk.

Mishler (R-Bremen) said the governor’s signature would culminate a three-year journey for the legislation- which provides several benefits for consumers and state government. It would give the attorney general’s office authority to prosecute people who operate businesses without proper licenses. At the same time, the legislation consolidates some professional licensing agencies, making the entire process more efficient.

“This legislation reinforces the importance of the licensing process and may result in some savings to state taxpayers,” Mishler said. “I think people sometimes forget the primary reason we have professional licenses is for consumer protection.”

Mishler’s bill, which passed by big margins in both the Senate and House, would also offer help in other ways:

• Establishes procedures for the attorney general to seize, secure, store and destroy abandoned or at risk health records and other records containing personally identifying information; and
• Provides for automatic revocation of controlled substances permit if a physician’s license is revoked;

Members of the Senate voted last week 38-7 to concur with House amendments, sending the bill to the governor for further consideration.

Sen. Mishler represents Senate District 9, which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.