SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6323
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor & Commerce, February 3, 2020
Title: An act relating to the board of engineers and land surveyors' appointment of its director and agreement with the department of licensing.
Brief Description: Concerning the board of engineers and land surveyors' appointment of its director and agreement with the department of licensing.
Sponsors: Senator Van De Wege.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor & Commerce: 1/30/20, 2/03/20 [DP, w/oRec].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Member; Braun, Saldaña, Stanford, Walsh and Wellman.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senator Schoesler.
Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)
Background: The State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) 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.
Before 2019, the Board was a part of the Department of Licensing (DOL). In 2019, the Legislature established the Board as a separate state agency. That legislation required the Governor to appoint the director of the Board. It also required DOL to provide, through interagency agreement, administrative staff support and associated technical services, materials, and equipment to the Board.
Summary of Bill: The director of the Board is appointed by the Board, rather than the Governor. The required interagency agreement between DOL and the Board is for technical services only and no longer includes administrative staff support, materials, or equipment.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill is just a cleanup from what happened passed last year. Makes minor changes including changing who appoints the director. The bill provides more flexibility with implementation.
CON: This bill impacts current litigation involving the Governor's Office and the Board. There are currently active investigations into the Board.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Kevin Van De Wege, Prime Sponsor; Beau Perschbacher, Department of Licensing. CON: Cody Hart, citizen.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.