Texas House Bill HB2842

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the use of certain titles by a structural engineer.

Impact

The impact of HB2842 on state laws is significant as it revises the existing legal framework surrounding professional engineering titles in Texas. This law is intended to enhance the integrity of the engineering profession by setting clear standards for qualifying as a registered structural engineer. By mandating a defined set of examinations and qualifications, it aims to protect public safety and ensure that structural engineering work is performed by individuals with adequate expertise. This change could also streamline the certification process by making it more transparent, thereby potentially increasing consumer confidence in engineering services.

Summary

House Bill 2842 aims to regulate the use of the title 'registered structural engineer' within the state of Texas. The bill establishes criteria under which engineers can obtain authorization to use the title, effectively adding a layer of professional accountability to the practice of structural engineering. Notably, an engineer must demonstrate passing specific examinations approved by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to earn this title, ensuring that only qualified practitioners can represent themselves as registered structural engineers.

Contention

One area of contention that may arise from this bill is the potentially increased regulatory burden on engineers who must now meet specific examination criteria to use the title of 'registered structural engineer'. Critics may argue that this requirement could deter qualified engineers from seeking the title due to the challenges and costs associated with the examinations. Moreover, there could be pushback from engineering entities that already operate under a different set of standards, who may view this new requirement as an unnecessary obstacle to their practice, especially if they have been operating successfully without such oversight.