Bill Caption

Relating to the registration of dental support organizations; imposing a fee; requiring an occupational registration; providing a civil penalty.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Based on the analysis of the State Board of Dental Examiners, the Secretary of State, the Office of the Attorney General, the Comptroller of Public Accounts, and the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of this bill could be accomplished utilizing current resources.

No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

5/21/15 update:

This bill is substantively the same as when we reported on it in its original chamber. We continue to oppose SB 519. The second chamber sponsor is Representative Crownover.

Original chamber analysis below:

The bill would require a dental support organization (DSO), an entity that provides two or more business support services to a dentist or dental practice, to annually register with the Secretary of State (SOS) no later than January 31. A registration fee would be required to cover administrative costs. Failure to register or file a corrected registration would result in a civil penalty of no more than $1,000.

The bill would also exempt four entities from mandatory registration with the SOS:

1. an accountant providing only accounting services;
2. an attorney providing only legal counsel;
3. an insurance company or insurance agent providing only insurance policies to a business; and
4. entities providing only investment and financial advisory services.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Requiring DSOs to register with the Secretary of State on an annual basis increases government regulation and places additional occupational license requirements on businesses associated with the dental industry. Expanding government regulation through occupational licensing and related schemes reduces competition, protects entrenched businesses against competition from new entrants to the market place, increases barriers to entry for prospective entrepreneurs, and diminishes consumer choice.

We oppose SB 519 based on the grounds it inhibits our free market, limited government, and individual liberty principles.