Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB565

Introduced
3/20/23  
Refer
3/20/23  
Refer
6/7/23  
Report Pass
9/22/23  

Caption

Further providing for procedure for licensing as professional engineer.

Impact

The proposed amendments in HB 565 will impact the licensing process for professional engineers across Pennsylvania, aiming to streamline the path to licensure by clarifying the experience and supervisory requirements. This shift is expected to enhance the quality and qualifications of licensed professional engineers, ensuring that only those with adequate experience and supervision can qualify for licensure. This change aligns with a growing trend in many states towards stricter requirements for professional licensure to maintain industry standards and safety.

Summary

House Bill 565 aims to amend the existing Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law, specifically focusing on the procedure for licensing professional engineers in Pennsylvania. The bill proposes changes to the requirements for applicants seeking licensure as professional engineers, particularly regarding the qualification criteria for the principles and practice examination. Applicants who are certified as engineer-in-training must now demonstrate four or more years of progressive experience in engineering work under the supervision of a professional engineer, which continues to emphasize the importance of hands-on experience in the field.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 565 appears to be generally positive among stakeholders in the engineering community, who recognize the value of adhering to stringent licensing requirements that reflect the complexities of engineering work. Proponents argue that enhancing the requirements for engineering licensure would ensure better prepared professionals, which can ultimately promote public safety. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of achieving such experience within the specified time frame for all aspiring engineers, particularly recent graduates entering the field.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between maintaining high standards for licensure and ensuring accessibility for new professionals entering the engineering workforce. Some opponents may fear that an increased emphasis on experience could inadvertently create barriers for qualified individuals, thus limiting the influx of new talent into the engineering profession. The discussion surrounding these changes indicates a broader debate about how best to prepare future engineers while maintaining rigorous standards for professional practice.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB403

Further providing for definitions, for general powers of board, for procedure for licensing as professional engineer, for procedure for licensing as professional land surveyor, for continuing professional competency requirements, for fees and for penalties.

PA HB1228

Further providing for State registration board for professional engineers, land surveyors and geologists.

PA SB00996

An Act Concerning Licensing For Professional Engineers And Land Surveyors.

PA SB1226

Further providing for exemption from licensure and registration.

PA SB215

Further providing for exemption from licensure and registration.

PA AB3253

Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists: licensees: professional land surveyors: surveying practices: monuments and corner accessories.

PA H0375

Structural Engineering Recognition Program for Professional Engineers

PA 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.

PA 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.

PA AB3334

Professional Land Surveyors’ Act and Professional Engineers Act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.