SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2833

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 February 27, 2020

Title: An act relating to the board of engineers and land surveyors' appointment of its director and agreement with the department of licensing.

Brief Description: Concerning the board of engineers and land surveyors' appointment of its director and agreement with the department of licensing.

Sponsors: Representative Hoff.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/19/20, 98-0.

Committee Activity: Labor & Commerce: 2/27/20.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Changes the appointment of the director of the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) to the Board instead of the Governor.

  • Modifies the requirements for the interagency agreement between the Board and the Department of Licensing.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)

Background: The State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (Board) regulates engineering practices and land surveying. On-site wastewater system designers are also licensed and regulated by the Board. The Board consists of seven members, five professional engineers and two land surveyors, appointed by the Governor.

Before 2019, the Board was a part of the Department of Licensing (DOL). In 2019, the Legislature established the Board as a separate state agency. That legislation required the Governor to appoint the director of the Board. It also required DOL to provide, through interagency agreement, administrative staff support and associated technical services, materials, and equipment to the Board.

Summary of Bill: The director of the Board is appointed by the Board, rather than the Governor. The required interagency agreement between DOL and the Board is for technical services only and no longer includes administrative staff support, materials, or equipment.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill fixes the bill from last year and does some cleanup. It moves the appointment authority to the Board itself rather than the Governor.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Larry Hoff, Prime Sponsor; Beau Perschbacher, Department of Licensing; Cliff Webster, Architects & Engineers Legislative Council.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.