The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Beth O'Quin.
DIGEST
SB 17 Engrossed 2020 Second Extraordinary Session Hewitt
Present law provides relative to the regulation of engineers and land surveyors by the La.
Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board (board).
Present law provides for definitions. Proposed law retains present law definitions and defines the
term "dual licensee" as any person practicing or seeking to practice both engineering and land
surveying in the state who has received both licenses from the board and is otherwise in good
standing with the board.
Present law provides for members of the board and removal of board members.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides for the minimum requirements for licensure of a professional engineer as being
either:
(1)An engineer intern who has met the requirements for progressive engineering experience in
work acceptable to the board, who is of good character and reputation, who has passed the
required examinations, and who has satisfied the application and submits the required fee.
(2)An individual who holds a valid license to engage in the practice of engineering issued to
him by another state, based on requirements that do not conflict with the provisions of La.
law, and which were of a standard not lower than that specified in the applicable licensure
laws in effect in La. at the time the license was issued, who is of good character and
reputation, and who has satisfied the application requirements, and if the state, territory, or
possession, or the District of Columbia, in which he is licensed will accept the license issued
by the board on a reciprocal basis.
Proposed law retains present law and adds a third set of minimum requirements for licensure as a
professional engineer. The requirements are: graduate from a board approved engineering
curriculum, have 20 years or more of progressive engineering experience in work acceptable to the
board, be of good character and reputation, pass the examinations required by the board, and satisfy
the application requirements.
Present law provides for the licensure requirements of a professional naval architect or marine
engineer.
Proposed law removes provisions of present law. Present law provides relative to examinations for licensure.
Proposed law authorizes the board to require an individual who failed an examination to appear
before the board for an oral interview.
Proposed law authorizes the board to adopt rules concerning eligibility for licensure of an individual
who has failed an examination seven or more times.
Present law provides for disciplinary and enforcement actions by the board against an officer,
director, manager, employee, agent, or representative of a firm for certain acts and offenses
committed.
Proposed law retains present law and adds acts and offenses subject to disciplinary and enforcement
actions by the board.
Effective January 1, 2021.
(Amends R.S. 37:682(4)-(15), 683(A), (B)(1), (2), and (3), and (C), 684, 686, 693(A) and (B), 695,
698(C), 700(C); adds R.S. 37:682(16))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer
Protection, and International Affairs to the original bill
1. Makes technical corrections.