SB 1368: Speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and hearing aid dispensers.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law, the Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists and Hearing Aid Dispensers Licensure Act, until January 1, 2027, establishes the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs for the licensure and regulation of speech-language pathologists, speech-language pathology aides, speech-language pathology assistants, audiologists, dispensing audiologists, and hearing aid dispensers. Existing law, until January 1, 2027, authorizes the board to appoint a person designated as the executive officer to perform duties delegated by the board and vested in them in the act. Existing law makes a violation of the act a misdemeanor.

This bill would extend the operation of the board and authorization to appoint an executive officer until January 1, 2031.

Existing law specifies that a person holds themselves out to the public as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist by using specified titles.

This bill would specify a person also holds themselves out to the public as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist by using a business name with those titles.

Existing law requires a supervising speech-language pathologist or supervising audiologist to submit to the board a description of the proposed professional responsibilities of an applicant who is issued a temporary license as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist, as applicable, working under their supervision.

This bill would delete that requirement.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 14, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 234, Statutes of 2026.
2. September 14, 2026Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 234, Statutes of 2026.
3. September 14, 2026Approved by the Governor.
4. September 14, 2026Approved by the Governor.
5. August 31, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 6 p.m.
6. August 31, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 6 p.m.
7. August 27, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 5988.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
8. August 27, 2026Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.
9. August 26, 2026Ordered to special consent calendar.
10. August 26, 2026Ordered to special consent calendar.
11. August 24, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.
12. August 24, 2026In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.