H-3794 _______________________________________________
SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL NO. 1597
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State of Washington 51st Legislature 1990 Regular Session
By House Committee on State Government (originally sponsored by Representatives Patrick, Tate, Sayan, Bowman, Nelson, Todd, Brumsickle and Rust)
Read first time 2/2/90.
AN ACT Relating to the practice of geology; creating new sections; and providing an expiration date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that it may be in the public interest to establish qualifications for professional geologists and for the practice of professional geological work. The legislature also finds that numerous professional organizations and associations for geologists exist and the legislature desires that any proposal for registration or licensing of professional geologists be developed in consultation with these interested organizations and associations.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The department of licensing shall conduct an evaluation of the practice of professional geological work and make recommendations as to whether and to what extent it is in the public interest to regulate the practice of professional geological work in Washington state. In conducting the evaluation, the department shall consult and cooperate with members of societies and associations directly involved in the professional practice and education of geology within the state of Washington, including but not limited to the state sections of the northwest geological society, the national waterwell association, the American association of state geologists, the American institute of professional geologists, and the association of engineering geologists. The department's findings and recommendations shall be submitted to the legislature by December 1, 1990.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. In the event the department finds that regulation of professional geological work is in the public interest in Washington state, the department, in consultation with members of the societies and associations listed in section 2 of this act, shall prepare a legislative proposal to implement such regulation. The proposal shall include, but not be limited to, the following items:
(1) Definitions and criteria for qualification and practice as a professional geologist in Washington state;
(2) The composition of a professional geologist board, including provisions for terms of office, rotation of members, and method of appointment;
(3) Powers and responsibilities of a professional geologist board;
(4) Maintenance of a state registry of professional geologists; and
(5) A system of reciprocity with other states and a system of qualification for nonresident professional geologists desiring to practice in this state.