Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB267

Introduced
2/29/24  
Introduced
2/29/24  
Report Pass
3/6/24  
Refer
2/29/24  
Engrossed
3/21/24  
Report Pass
3/6/24  
Refer
4/2/24  
Engrossed
3/21/24  

Caption

To provide further for the practice of landscape architecture

Impact

The proposed amendments will have a substantial impact on state laws governing landscape architecture. By detailing the examination and qualification processes more clearly, the bill aims to enhance the professionalism within this field. Additionally, the introduction of reciprocity provisions means that qualified applicants from other states will be able to obtain licensure in Alabama more readily, fostering a more mobile and diverse professional workforce. This could ultimately contribute to improved landscape architecture practices across the state by integrating various professionals with differing experiences and methodologies.

Summary

House Bill 267 aims to amend several sections of the Code of Alabama related to the licensure of landscape architects. The bill seeks to clarify definitions, establish examination requirements, set fees, and introduce provisions for licensure by reciprocity. Importantly, it is designed to adapt existing regulations to align with contemporary standards and practices in landscape architecture, thereby ensuring that licenses are issued fairly and based on merit while maintaining the integrity of the profession.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB267 appears to be predominantly positive, particularly among professionals within the landscape architecture community. Advocates argue that the changes are necessary for the modernization of the licensure process, reflecting current industry standards and practices. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the fees associated with licensure and the implications of potentially lowering standards through reciprocity. Overall, the sentiment leans towards support for greater accessibility and understanding within the professional landscape.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between accessibility of the profession through reciprocity and maintaining rigorous standards for licensure. While proponents emphasize the need for flexibility to accommodate qualified professionals moving to Alabama, opponents worry that it might lead to a dilution of professional standards if not properly regulated. The bill's impact on fees also drew scrutiny, with various stakeholders discussing whether the costs imposed might limit access to licensure for new entrants into the field.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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 SB1452

Architecture and landscape architecture.

AL HB1465

Membership of the state board of architecture and landscape architecture; and to provide for application.

AL S3010

Provides for licensure of landscape professionals and registration of professional landscaping businesses.

AL S2285

Provides for licensure of landscape professionals and registration of professional landscaping businesses.

AL A581

Provides for licensure of landscape professionals and registration of professional landscaping businesses.

AL A1466

Provides for licensure of landscape professionals and registration of professional landscaping businesses.

AL HB235

Scope of practice of architecture and duties of board

AL HB2645

Further providing for title of act, for short title, for declaration of purpose, for definitions, for creation of board and appointment and term of members and officers, for organization of board, for powers of board, for duties of board, for examination and qualification of applicants, for reciprocal licensing, for issuance and renewal of certificates, for payment and disposition of fees and for seal of architect; providing for architectural firm registration and for architectural firm names; further providing for permitted practices, for existing licenses, for existing rules and regulations and for unauthorized practice prohibited; providing for certification of interior designers; further providing for disciplinary proceedings, for penalties and for complaint procedure and hearings; providing for regulations; further providing for severability, for repeals and for effective date; and making editorial changes.

AL SB1319

Further providing for title of act, for short title, for declaration of purpose, for definitions, for creation of board and appointment and term of members and officers, for organization of board, for powers of board, for duties of board, for examination and qualification of applicants, for reciprocal licensing, for issuance and renewal of certificates, for payment and disposition of fees and for seal of architect; providing for architectural firm registration and for architectural firm names; further providing for permitted practices, for existing licenses, for existing rules and regulations and for unauthorized practice prohibited; providing for certification of interior designers; further providing for disciplinary proceedings, for penalties and for complaint procedure and hearings; providing for regulations; further providing for severability, for repeals and for effective date; and making editorial changes.

Similar Bills

MS HB669

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 HB519

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 HB235

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

HI SB1625

Relating To Landscape Architects.

AK SB73

Register Interior Designers

AK HB159

Register Interior Designers