An Act Concerning Structural Engineers And Requiring Continuing Professional Education For Professional Engineers And Land Surveyors.
Impact
This legislation will affect how professional engineers and land surveyors in the state maintain their licensure. By enforcing mandatory continuing education, SB00923 seeks to enhance public safety through better-educated engineers who are up to date with the latest practices and regulations in the field. It helps set a higher professional standard and can potentially attract more skilled professionals to the state.
Summary
SB00923, known as the Act Concerning Structural Engineers and Requiring Continuing Professional Education for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, aims to establish a specific endorsement for structural engineers within the existing professional engineer licensing framework. The bill mandates that all professional engineers licensed under relevant state statutes will need to complete at least fifteen hours of continuing education annually. This move is intended to ensure that engineers maintain current knowledge of industry standards, safety regulations, and advancements in technology.
Contention
While the intent behind SB00923 is generally positive, the bill may face some contention regarding the specifics of the continuing education requirements. Some opponents may argue about the feasibility of meeting the hour requirement or the burden of costs associated with obtaining the additional education. There could also be concerns regarding the implementation of new regulations and the oversight by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, particularly in terms of fairness and accessibility for current engineers.