Alabama 2022 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB348

Introduced
2/15/22  

Caption

Landscape Architects, Board of Examiners of, use of the landscape architect title, by individuals and certain business entities, Secs. 34-17-4, 34-17-7, 34-17-24, 34-17-25 am'd.

Impact

One of the critical impacts of HB348 is the introduction of stricter measures for enforcing compliance with licensing laws. The bill empowers the board to seek injunctive relief against individuals or entities that violate licensing regulations. This shifts the emphasis towards stronger enforcement measures, ensuring that only licensed professionals practice in the field, thereby upholding the integrity of landscape architecture in the state. The amendments also clarify the roles and responsibilities of licensed professionals, enhancing accountability within the profession.

Summary

House Bill 348 addresses the regulation of landscape architecture in Alabama by amending existing laws related to the title and practice of landscape architects. The bill clarifies the criteria under which individuals and certain business entities can use the title 'landscape architect.' It establishes that while corporations and partnerships cannot be licensed to practice landscape architecture as such, they may use the title if they obtain a certificate of authorization from the Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects. This provision aims to formalize the practice of landscape architecture and ensure professionalism within the field.

Contention

Notables points of contention may arise from the financial implications of the new licensing structure, including details regarding reactivation fees for expired licenses and the annual licensing requirements. The bill specifies the fees for annual licenses, reinstatement, and maintaining inactive licenses, which could be perceived as burdensome by some landscape architects. Additionally, those concerned about the potential barriers to entry into the profession may argue that this could limit the number of individuals able to operate as landscape architects within Alabama, thus stifacing competition and diversity within the industry.

Companion Bills

AL SB222

Same As Landscape Architects, Board of Examiners of, use of the landscape architect title, by individuals and certain business entities, Secs. 34-17-4, 34-17-7, 34-17-24, 34-17-25 am'd.

Previously Filed As

AL HB594

Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects, definitions, fees, examination requirements, and reciprocity provisions revised; role of the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) provided

AL HB267

To provide further for the practice of landscape architecture

AL HB235

Scope of practice of architecture and duties of board

AL SB131

Building codes; standardization of certain non-residential building codes, provided; practice architecture and duties of local building code officials, further provided

AL HB161

Building codes; standardization of certain non-residential building codes, provided; practice architecture and duties of local building code officials, further provided

AL SB193

Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within the Department of Workforce; created as centralized entity for providing leadership, support, and oversight to certain boards.

AL SB224

Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing, created within the Department of Labor; oversight provided to professional or occupational licensing boards.

AL SB112

Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entities Code; amended to delete references to Alabama Nonprofit Corporation Law, clarify and streamline certain provisions in accordance with changes in Delaware law and the Model Business Corporation Act

AL HB228

Alabama Business and Nonprofit Entities Code; amended to delete references to Alabama Nonprofit Corporation Law, clarify and streamline certain provisions in accordance with changes in Delaware law and the Model Business Corporation Act

AL HB337

Alabama Board of Registered Interior Designers, prohibitions on size and type of building they may work on removed, right to discipline non-registered individuals restored, exemptions provided

Similar Bills

MS HB235

Landscape architects; authorize to participate with multi-disciplinary engineer and architecture firms.

MS HB983

Landscape architects; authorize to participate with multi-disciplinary engineer and architecture firms.

MS HB519

Landscape architects; authorize to participate with multi-disciplinary engineer and architecture firms.

MS HB1269

Landscape architects; authorize to participate with multi-disciplinary engineer and architecture firms.

MS HB669

Landscape architects; authorize to participate with multi-disciplinary engineer and architecture firms.

AK SB126

Architect/engineer Registration Board

AK SB73

Register Interior Designers

AK SB54

Arch, Eng, Surveyors; Reg Int Design