HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1597

BYRepresentatives Patrick, Tate, Sayan, Bowman, Nelson, Todd, Brumsickle and Rust

Establishing a geologists' review board.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Todd, Chair; Anderson, Vice Chair; McLean, Ranking Republican Member; R. Fisher, Hankins, R. King, Morris, O'Brien and Silver.

House Staff:Barbara McLain (786-7135)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT JANUARY 30, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Geologists lend expertise to engineering projects, ground water inspections, land use planning, mineral exploration and development, and geologic and seismic hazards determinations. Nineteen states currently regulate professional geologists.  Oregon, for example, requires that anyone professionally preparing geologic maps, plans, or reports be registered by the State Board of Geologist Examiners.  Registrants must meet a number of educational and experience requirements and pass an examination prepared by the board.

Washington does not regulate professional geologists.  When geologic reports or plans are required to determine the stability of a construction site with respect to landslides, drainage problems, or seismic hazards, counties and cities may rely on the expertise of registered civil engineers with a specialty in geotechnical engineering.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  The legislature finds it may be in the public interest to establish qualifications for the practice of geological work.

The Department of Licensing (DOL) will conduct an evaluation of professional geological work to determine whether and to what extent the state should regulate its practice.  DOL is to consult and cooperate with members of societies and associations directly involved with the practice of professional geological work. DOL's findings and recommendations will be submitted to the legislature by December 1, 1990.

If DOL finds it to be in the public interest to regulate the practice of professional geological work, it will prepare a legislative proposal to implement regulation.  The proposal will include:  definitions and criteria for qualification and practice as a professional geologist in Washington; provisions creating a professional geologist board; powers and responsibilities for the board; and a system of reciprocity for professional geologists registered in other states.

The provisions expire June 30, 1991.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The original bill established definitions for professional geologist and the practice of professional geological work; created a review board of professional geologists to prepare a legislative proposal on regulation of professional geology; and assigned various powers and duties to the review board.  The substitute requires the Department of Licensing to evaluate whether and to what extent regulation of professional geology is in the public interest.  The department will work with interested professional geologist associations in preparing its recommendations.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 30, 1990.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Testimony heard on the issue of regulation of professional geologists, not on the original or substitute bills.)  Don Charnley, former State Representative; Brian Lowes, Northwest Geological Society; Rex Humphrey, Lou Lepp, American Institute of Professional Geologists; Ray Lasmanus, State Geologists, Department of Natural Resources; and Bill Evans, Bill Clevenger, Richard Galster, Association of Engineering Geologists.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Testimony heard on the issue of regulation of professional geologists, not on the original or substitute bills.)  All the states surrounding Washington certify professional geologists for consumer protection.  The concern is that non- professionals or professionals without adequate geological training will recommend engineering solutions for geologic problems without adequate consideration of those problems.  Damage to buildings or development sites has occurred through a lack of working knowledge about geology.  Certification or registration gives an assurance of a standard of competency.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.