Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing established within Alabama Department of Workforce, powers and duties of Secretary of Workforce and executive director specified, Sunset Committee to consider transfer to office in recommendation for modification

SB 227 establishes a centralized Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within Alabama's Department of Workforce to oversee all existing licensing boards for professions like healthcare, construction, and cosmetology. It transfers the authority, assets, and staff of individual licensing boards to this new office, which will handle applications, fees, investigations, and enforcement under an appointed executive director. The bill maintains the validity of all current licenses and rules until updated by the new office, and creates a dedicated fund to collect and manage licensing fees for operational costs. This change affects licensed professionals who must now interact with the centralized office instead of separate boards, while ensuring continuity of existing licensing requirements.