SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1900
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 of March 23, 2011
Title: An act relating to establishing continuing education requirements for engineers.
Brief Description: Establishing continuing education requirements for engineers.
Sponsors: Representatives Stanford, Ladenburg, Ryu and Green.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/26/11, 57-40.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 3/21/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Staff: Ingrid Mungia (786-7423)
Background: Engineers must be registered in order to practice engineering in Washington. The State Board of Registration for Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board), through the Department of Licensing's Business and Professions Division, regulates the practice of engineering as well as land surveying. Candidates for registration as an engineer must have eight years of appropriate work experience and have successfully passed the required examinations. Applicants may substitute undergraduate study in an approved engineering school or college for up to four years of the work experience requirements. The Board may also approve up to one year of appropriate postgraduate study.
The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is an organization composed of the professional regulatory boards of all states. Since 2007 land surveyors renewing their registration certificates have been required to verify that they have completed 15 continuing professional-development hours per year. The Board was required to adopt rules governing continuing professional development for land surveyors that are generally patterned after the model rules of NCEES.
Summary of Bill: Like land surveyors, engineers must complete 15 hours of continuing professional development per year. The Board must adopt rules governing continuing professional-development for engineers that are generally patterned after the model rules of NCEES. The Director of the Department of Licensing may set fees to cover the costs of administering the new requirement.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2012.