Section 43-1A-8. Preferred forms of regulation; role of General Assembly

   (a) After evaluating the report of the council and any other desired information based on the criteria outlined in Code Section 43-1A-6 and considering governmental and societal costs and benefits, if the General Assembly finds that it is necessary to regulate a business or profession not previously regulated by law, the most appropriate alternative method of regulation should be implemented, consistent with the public interest and this Code section:

   (1) Where the consumer may have a substantial basis for relying on the services of a profession or business, a system of certification should be implemented;

   (2) Where apparent that adequate regulation cannot be achieved by means other than licensing, a system of licensing should be implemented; or

   (3) Where regulation as defined in this chapter is deemed too restrictive and unnecessary to protect the public health and welfare, a less restrictive means of ensuring public protection, including, but not limited to, stricter civil action or criminal penalties, inspection requirements, or a system of registration, may be considered.

(b) The General Assembly may, with regard to an existing regulatory entity, and after evaluating the report of the council or any desired information, including, but not limited to, the criteria outlined in Code Section 43-1A-6 and any governmental and societal costs and benefits:

   (1) Take no action if it has determined that such existing regulatory agency is efficiently regulated and that no action is necessary in the interests of the state;

   (2) Amend the enabling legislation of such existing regulatory entity if it has determined that making such amendments shall more efficiently regulate such regulatory entity in a manner that is in the best interests of the state; or

   (3) Repeal the enabling legislation of such existing regulatory entity if it has determined that the continuing regulation of such regulatory entity is no longer in the interests of the state.

Code 1981, § 43-1A-8, enacted by Ga. L. 1986, p. 803, § 1; Ga. L. 2010, p. 376, § 1/SB 149.