FINAL BILL REPORT
ESSB 6455
C 253 L 00
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Providing for the licensing of geologists.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions (originally sponsored by Senators Gardner, Winsley, Fraser, Shin, Kohl‑Welles, Brown, Costa, Fairley and Jacobsen).
Senate Committee on Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions
House Committee on Commerce & Labor
Background: Twenty-seven states currently require geologists to be licensed. Concern exists that not licensing geologists may lead to a lack of standardization in the work these geologists provide.
Summary: It is unlawful for any person to practice or offer to practice geology in this state unless the person has been licensed, with limited exceptions.
A state Geologist Licensing Board is created. Requirements for becoming a licensed geologist are specified, and include educational requirements, five years of experience in geological work, and satisfactory completion of a licensing examination. An applicant who applies for licensing by July 1, 2001, is granted a license without written examination if the applicant meets specified criteria.
Acts which constitute grounds for suspension or revocation of a geologist license are specified. The director is authorized to investigate reports of unprofessional conduct, and may use the board to conduct hearings. Practicing or offering to practice geology without a license is considered a class one civil infraction.
A geologist=s account is created in the custody of the State Treasurer. All fees and fines collected due pursuant to this act are deposited in this account.
In accordance with Initiative 695, the portion of the act pertaining to fees is referred to the people for their approval at the next general election.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate 3612
House95 3(House amended)
Senate 3312(Senate concurred)
Effective:June 8, 2000
July 1, 2001 (Sections 1-4, 6-21)