The bill amends the Washington State Professional Engineers' Registration Act to modernize the registration process for professional engineers and land surveyors. Key updates include the insertion of the term "professional" before "land surveyors" and the replacement of gender-specific pronouns with gender-neutral terms. It clarifies the qualifications for board members, requiring them to be registered professionals with at least ten years of experience, and introduces provisions for pro tem board members. The bill also outlines new examination requirements for applicants, emphasizes the need for broad-based experience, and allows educational qualifications to count towards experience requirements, thereby enhancing flexibility in the application process.
Additionally, the bill modifies the application and renewal processes for registration, stating that all fees are nonrefundable and must accompany applications. It updates the language regarding the issuance of certificates to accurately reflect registrants' qualifications and establishes that licenses become invalid if renewal applications are not submitted by the expiration date. The bill also clarifies exemptions related to the practice of engineering and land surveying, removes previous temporary permit requirements for non-residents, and mandates that corporations and LLCs designate a licensed professional responsible for their practices. Overall, these amendments aim to enhance accountability, maintain professional standards, and ensure the integrity of engineering and land surveying practices in Washington.
Statutes affected: Original bill: 18.43.030, 18.43.033, 18.43.035, 18.43.040, 18.43.050, 18.43.060, 18.43.070, 18.43.080, 18.43.100, 18.43.130, 18.43.150, 18.43.170, 18.43.200