Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Consumer Protection & Business Committee |
SSB 5443
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning the state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections (originally sponsored by Senators Van De Wege and Zeiger).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/19/19
Staff: Serena Dolly (786-7150).
Background:
Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates certain businesses and professions. Some businesses and professions, such as cosmetologists and security guards, are under the authority of the Director of the DOL. For others, such as architects and engineers, a board or commission is responsible for regulating the profession.
The State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board), through the DOL, regulates engineering practices and land surveying. On-site wastewater system designers are also licensed and regulated by the Board. The Board consists of seven members, five professional engineers and two land surveyors, appointed by the Governor.
Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act.
In 2002, the Legislature passed the Uniform Regulation of Business and Professions Act (URBPA) to provide standardized disciplinary procedures for various businesses and professions regulated by the DOL. The URBPA governs the unlicensed practice of these professions, the issuance and denial of licenses, and the discipline of individuals who violate the URBPA.
Summary of Bill:
The Board is removed from the DOL and established as a separate agency. The Board, rather than the DOL, must:
issue and renew certificates of registration and licenses for professional engineers, land surveyors, and on-site wastewater system designers; and
set fees for applications, examinations, licenses, registrations, and renewals. Fees set by the Board must be at a level adequate to pay the Board's administration costs.
The URBPA is amended to grant the Board, rather than the DOL, jurisdiction over disciplinary matters under its authority.
The Governor must appoint the Executive Director of the Board. The Executive Director must hold a valid Washington license as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor.
The DOL, through an interagency agreement, must provide specified administrative staff support and associated technical services, materials, and equipment to the Board. The initial agreement must be for three years and may be renewed.
References to the Director of the DOL are replaced with references to either the Board or the Executive Director of the Board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.