LEGISLATIVE ADVISORY: AB 2113 (Low) Chapter 186, Statutes of 2020 – Refugees, asylees, and special immigrant visa holders: professional licensing: initial licensure process.
OPERATIVE DATE OF LEGISLATION: JANUARY 1, 2021
Attention Board of Psychology (Board) stakeholders:
Assembly Bill (AB) 2113 (Low, Chapter 186, Statutes of 2020) was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 27, 2020, and takes effect January 1, 2021.
AB 2113 added Business and Professions Code section 135.4, which requires boards and bureaus under the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to expedite the initial licensure process for the following applicants:
1. Refugees pursuant to section 1157 of title 8 of the United States Code;
2. Those granted asylum by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General of the United States pursuant to section 1158 of title 8 of the United States Code; or,
3. Individuals with a special immigrant visa that has been granted a status pursuant to section 1244 of Public Law 110-181, Public Law 109-163, or section 602(b) of title VI of division F of Public Law 111-8.
The law also grants boards and bureaus some additional flexibility when processing these initial applications by authorizing them to assist applicants to be processed in an efficient manner.
IMPLEMENTATION:
The Board is working with DCA to make necessary changes to forms and the BreEZe licensing system to properly process applications pursuant to the operative date of this law.
To view the text of the chaptered bill, click here:
