Refugees, asylees, and special immigrant visa holders: professional licensing: initial licensure process.

Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of various professions and vocations by boards within the Department of Consumer Affairs. Existing law prohibits a board within the department from denying licensure to an applicant based upon their citizenship or immigration status. This bill, notwithstanding any other law, would require a board within the department to expedite, and authorize it to assist, the initial licensure process for an applicant who supplies satisfactory evidence to the board that they are a refugee, have been granted asylum, or have a special immigrant visa, as specified. The bill would authorize a board to adopt regulations necessary to administer these provisions.