SB 1901

This bill requires verification that a person is a United States citizen or qualified alien before the applicant can be issued various licenses, permits, certifications, authorizations, or registrations. As used in such provision, a "qualified alien"" me ans a qualified alien as defined by federal law or an alien or nonimmigrant eligible to receive state or local public benefits under federal law. The requirements of this bill apply to all of the following:  Licenses to become a court reporter.  Licenses to practice law, if requirements are approved by the supreme court.  Professional licenses issued by the department of children's services.  Aeronautics instructor licenses.  Professional licenses issued by the department of agriculture.  Licenses to do business as a livestock dealer.  Certificates from the beekeeper certification program.  Licenses to engage in the business of custom hatching, producing baby chicks for sale, or selling or offering baby chicks for sale.  Licenses to operate as a dealer to buy or sell dogs or cats, including licenses to sell dogs or cats to research facilities, licenses to sell dogs or cats for resale, licenses to buy dogs or cats for resale, and licenses to transport dogs or cats in commerce.  Licenses issued by the department of financial institutions.  Registration as a provider of debt-management services.  Licenses to be a certified public weigher.  Licenses to be a public weighmaster.  Professional licenses issued by the department of education, including licenses to teach and emergency teaching credentials.  Licenses issued by the department of disability and aging, including those to operate a service or facility that provides intellectual disability, developmental disability, or personal support services.  License to manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for introduction into commerce.  Licenses issued pursuant to the Dairy Law of the State of Tennessee.  Licenses to operate an establishment for the slaughtering of livestock or poultry.  Licenses to process livestock, deer, poultry, or another's animal for use or consumption.  Licenses to manufacture, obtain, possess, dispose, or administer legend drugs, or controlled substance analogues, for the purpose of scientific research, instruction, or chemical analysis.  License to do business as an automotive mobility dealer.  Licenses to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance.  Licenses to operate a mine.  Certificates of qualification to be a mine foreman.  Licenses to produce fuel alcohol.  Licenses, certifications, and registrations issued by the department of commerce and insurance, including (i) licenses to operate an investigations company, (ii) private investigator licenses, (iii) polygraph examiners licenses, (iv) licenses to operate a contract security company, and (iv) registration cards for armed and unarmed security guards or officers.  Licenses for alcohol and drug abuse counselors.  Permits to operate as a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or seasonal retailer of fireworks.  Licenses to operate as a petroleum gas dealer.  Licenses issued under the Emergency Medical Services Act of 1983.  Certifications to operate a water supply system, wastewater system, water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, water distribution system, or wastewater collection system.  Professional licenses issued by the department of human services. LICENSES OR PERMITS TO DISTRIBUTE OR MANUFACTURE INTOXICATING LIQUORS If the applicant is a United States citizen, is a qualified alien, or has a valid J-1 or F-1 student visa, then this bill provides that the following applicants are eligible for such license or permit:  A pplicants for a professional license or permit under the Intoxicating Liquor Sales Law .  Applicants for a permit to sell, distribute, or manufacture beer .  Applicants for a license to manufacture, distribute, or sell hemp derived cannabinoid products . LICENSES TO PRACTICE THE HEALING ARTS This bill provides that persons are eligible for a license or certification for a profession of the healing arts if such person is a United States citizen or a qualified alien. This includes applications to practice as a physician, dentist, psychological examiner, certified psychological assistant, certified psychol ogical testing technician, and veterinary medicine. Applicants to be licensed as a physician are eligible if they have applied for a valid visa that would authorize the applicant to work in the United States under federal law. Applicants to practice den ti stry, medicine, and veterinary medicine are also eligible to be licensed if they are citizens of Canada. DISPENSING OPTICIANS In order to be eligible for a license as a dispensing optician, this bill requires an applicant to (i) be of good moral character, (ii) be 18 or older, (iii) have satisfactorily completed not less than two years of proper schooling as recognized by the b oard, and (iv) have practical training and experience satisfactory to the board as an apprentice under a dispensing optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. APPLICABILITY This bill applies to licenses, permits, certifications, authorizations, or registrations applied for, or renewed, on or after the date that this bill becomes law."