SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5381

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Commerce & Trade, February 26, 2003

Title: An act relating to hydrogeology.

Brief Description: Including hydrogeology as a specialty of geology.

Sponsors: Senators Sheahan, Fraser, Honeyford, Franklin, Swecker, McCaslin and Hale.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Trade: 2/12/03, 2/26/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Honeyford, Chair; Hewitt, Vice Chair; Franklin, Keiser and Mulliken.

Staff: Elizabeth Mitchell (786-7430)

Background: The Department of Licensing regulates the profession of geology. In addition to being licensed as geologists, people may also apply for licensure as a specialty geologist. Hydrogeology is currently a specialty licensed by the department, but is not explicitly defined as a specialty of geology in law.

Summary of Bill: Hydrogeology is defined as a "specialty" with regard to geologist licensure.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect July 1, 2003.

Testimony For: This bill is necessary. It is a housekeeping bill, and is related to SB 5065. Some people found out about the Department of Licensing's geology regulation too late to qualify for the grandparenting period. There is a disconnect in communication between the Eastern and Western halves of the state.

Testimony Against: The Geologist Licensing Board has the authority in statute to designate specialties. 863 hydrogeologists are already licensed. This bill is unnecessary and will have no impact on the department's licensing program. It would be cumbersome for the Legislature to have to revise statutes each time a new specialty is added.

Testified: Margaret Epting, Dept. of Licensing; Russ Darr (con); Dale McGreer (pro); Allen Mike, attorney (pro); Rich Schaefer, Consulting Forester, Western Forest Systems (pro); Kenneth Neal, Kenneth Neal and Associates, Geologist Licensing Board (con).