SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5357

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions, February 26, 2001

Title:  An act relating to engineers and land surveyors.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the department of licensing to establish engineer and land surveyors' certificate and licensing renewal intervals, renewal fees, and renewal dates.

Sponsors:  Senators Prentice, Winsley and Franklin; by request of Department of Licensing.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  2/13/01, 2/26/01 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Benton, Deccio, Fairley, Franklin, Hochstatter, Honeyford, Patterson, Rasmussen, Regala, West and Winsley.

Staff:  Matthew Adams (786‑7784)

Background:  The Department of Licensing is responsible for the renewal of licenses and other forms of credentials for engineers and land surveyors.  In performing this duty, the department is obligated to mail annual renewal reminders to all licensed engineers and land surveyors at least 30 days before the December 31 renewal deadline.  This notice is to be sent to all registered individuals, firms and corporations.

Summary of Bill:  The director of the Department of Licensing is authorized to set the renewal intervals and dates for the registration, certification and licensing of engineers and land surveyors.  Fixed annual renewal dates are no longer prescribed but are left to the director's discretion.  Responsibility for renewal of credentials shifts from the Department of Licensing to individuals holding the credential(s) and renewal reminder notices are no longer mandatory.

Clarification language is provided for late renewal payments.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The enabling statute has not been kept current with department practice.  This bill would allow the Department of Licensing to set renewal dates and intervals, which would give the department greater flexibility and manageability of licensing.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Alan Rathbun, Rick Notestine, DOL (pro); Nancee Wildersmuth, AELC (pro w/amend).