Brief Description: Requiring continuing education for land surveyors.

Sponsors: Representatives Romero and Alexander.

Hearing Date: 2/3/03

Staff: Matt Cooper (786-7106).

Background:

The state Board of Registration for Engineers and Land Surveyors, through the Department of Licensing, Business and Professions Division, regulates the practice of land surveying in Washington. Land surveyors must be registered in order to practice. Candidates for registration must have graduated from an approved program, have eight years of work experience, and have passed the required examinations. Currently, there are approximately 1,440 registered land surveyors.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying is an organization comprised of the professional regulatory boards of all states. This organization has drafted model rules governing continuing professional development. Most states have adopted these model rules and require continuing professional development for land surveyors.

Summary of Bill:

Beginning January 1, 2005, registered land surveyors who are renewing their registration must verify to the state Board of Registration for Engineers and Land Surveyors that they have completed at least 15 hours of continuing professional development per year.

By January 1, 2004, the Board must adopt rules generally patterned after the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying model rules governing continuing professional development.

Rules Authority: The bill contains provisions addressing the rule-making powers of the Board.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.