INCREASE ANNUAL LICENSE

FEE FOR HEARING AID DEALER

House Bill 4865

Sponsor:  Rep. Pam Byrnes

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 5-19-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4865 AS INTRODUCED 4-29-09

The bill would amend the State License Fee Act to increase the annual license fee for a hearing aid dealer from $80 to $130.  The bill is tie-barred to House Bill 4129, meaning it could take effect unless that bill is also enacted.

(House Bill 4129 would amend the Occupational Code to require hearing aid dealers, hearing aid salespersons, and trainees to demonstrate continuing professional competency as a condition for license renewal.)

MCL 338.2231

FISCAL IMPACT:

According to the Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth (DELEG), as of February 2009, there were 251 licensed hearing aid dealers in the state.  As such, increasing the biennial license fees by $100 ($50 per year) would increase Licensing and Regulation Fees revenue by approximately $25,100 in FY 2009-10. (Dealer licenses expire at the end of November in odd-numbered years.)  The department estimates Licensing and Regulation Fees revenue to be $12.1 million in FY 2009-10.  The dealer license fee was set at the current level of $80 with the enactment of 1980 PA 295. 

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Mark Wolf

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.