HB61 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Howard Sanderford
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Optometry, Board of, Sunset Law Review, continued until October 1, 2017, with modification to delete requirement of high school graduation for licensure, Sec. 34-22-20 am'd.
Summary: HB61 continues the Alabama Board of Optometry through Oct 1, 2017 and removes the requirement to prove high school graduation for licensure.
What This Bill Does
It keeps the Alabama Board of Optometry in place and preserves its governing statutes. It removes the need for applicants to prove high school graduation to obtain a license, while maintaining other education and examination requirements. It outlines the licensing process, including acceptable education, exams, and a license fee cap of $500, and allows temporary licenses. It also preserves rights for current licensed optometrists (including those licensed before Oct 1, 1994) and lets eligible optometrists seek approval to use pharmaceutical agents with additional training (72 clock hours in diagnosis/management within the prior three years). The act becomes effective immediately upon governor's approval.

Who It Affects
Prospective optometry license applicants in Alabama, who will follow the updated education, examination, and fee requirements (and no longer need to prove high school graduation).
Current licensed optometrists, including those licensed before October 1, 1994, who may continue practicing and may seek approval to use pharmaceutical agents after meeting the additional training requirement.

Key Provisions
Continues the Alabama Board of Optometry through October 1, 2017 and preserves related code sections (34-22-1 to 34-22-110).
Amends Section 34-22-20 to delete the requirement of proving high school graduation for licensure.
Sets licensure requirements: 19+ years old, U.S. citizen or legally present with documentation, good moral character, at least four years of high school (or equivalent) and graduate thereof, minimum three years of preoptometry, completion of an accredited four-year optometry program, and passing required examinations (national and/or board), with exams and state law components as determined by the board, and a license fee not exceeding $500.
Allows the board to grant temporary licenses and requires license certificates to bear official seals and be kept and posted by the licensee.
Existing licensees as of Oct 1, 1994 may continue to be licensed; they may apply for board approval to use pharmaceutical agents for treating eye diseases, subject to additional requirements (including at least 72 clock hours of relevant training within the prior three years).
Effective date: the act takes effect immediately upon the Governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Sunset Law