SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5206

As Passed Senate, March 6, 2001

Title:  An act relating to the practice of geology.

Brief Description:  Modifying geologist licensing provisions.

Sponsors:  Senators Gardner, Prentice, Winsley and Fraser; by request of Department of Licensing.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  1/30/01, 2/1/01 [DP].

Passed Senate:  3/6/01, 44-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Benton, Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Patterson, Rasmussen, Regala, West and Winsley.

Staff:  Elizabeth Mitchell (786‑7430)

Background:  A law regulating the profession of geology was enacted in 2000.  Provisions of the law include the creation of a geologist licensing board, specific requirements for licensure as a geologist, and penalties for practicing geology without a license.  The effective date of this law is July 1, 2001.

Summary of Bill:  Three separate effective dates for the law are specified.

April 1, 2001 is the effective date for provisions of the law including the creation of the geologist licensing board, a geologist=s account at the Office of the State Treasurer, and the director=s power to adopt rules to carry out the provisions of the law.

July 1, 2001 is the effective date for provisions of the law including requirements for licensure, administration of examinations and certificates, and the criteria and penalties for unprofessional conduct.

July 1, 2002 is the effective date for the provision that practicing geology without a license is a Class 1 civil infraction, punishable by a maximum $250 fine.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Testimony For:  This bill gives geologists one year to register before punishments for non‑registration go into effect, and allows the geologist board and fund to be created prior to the administration of exams.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Russ Darr, Department of Ecology; Margaret Epting, Department of Licensing; Alan Rathbun, Department of Licensing.