AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 73-13-1, 73-13-3, 73-13-5, 73-13-7, 73-13-9, 73-13-11, 73-13-13, 73-13-15, 73-13-17, 73-13-19, 73-13-21, 73-13-23, 73-13-25, 73-13-27, 73-13-29, 73-13-31, 73-13-33, 73-13-35, 73-13-37, 73-13-39, 73-13-41, 73-13-43 AND 73-13-45, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE LICENSURE PROVISIONS FOR ENGINEERS TO INCLUDE LICENSURE FOR LAND SURVEYORS; TO INCLUDE DEFINITIONS RELATED TO SURVEYING; TO PROVIDE THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS; TO REVISE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE BOARD MEMBERS; TO PROVIDE THAT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL HOLD FOUR QUARTERLY MEETINGS EACH YEAR, AND FAILURE TO ATTEND TWO CONSECUTIVE QUARTERLY MEETINGS MAY RESULT IN REMOVAL FROM THE BOARD; TO INCREASE THE APPLICATION FEES, THE RENEWAL FEES AND CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY FEES FOR LICENSURE AS A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER OR PROFESSIONAL SURVEYOR; TO PROVIDE THAT A SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP, OWNED AND OPERATED BY A LICENSEE, AND A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS OR LICENSED PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-13-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A SURVEYOR MAY ENTER IN OR UPON CERTAIN LANDS WITHOUT CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR TRESPASS; TO PROVIDE LIMITED CIVIL LIABILITY FOR THE SURVEYOR; TO CREATE NEW SECTION 73-13-49, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE FOR THE APPLICABILITY OF THE SECTIONS RELATED TO LICENSURE OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS AND THAT CERTAIN ACTIVITIES SHALL NOT BE PREVENTED OR AFFECTED AS A RESULT OF THOSE SECTIONS; TO REPEAL SECTIONS 73-13-71 THROUGH 73-13-105, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, WHICH PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSURE OF LAND SURVEYORS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 19-27-1, 73-63-5, 85-7-401, 97-17-85, 97-17-93 AND 97-17-97, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
The bill's passage is expected to harmonize the licensure requirements for engineers and surveyors by repealing previous regulations specific to land surveyors. This legislative change will likely streamline the licensing process, thereby simplifying compliance for professionals. Additionally, it provides clarifications on the conditions under which surveyors may enter properties to conduct their surveying duties without being held criminally liable for trespass. These adjustments align with the state’s objective to enhance professional governance in engineering and surveying fields.
House Bill 1150 aims to amend various sections of the Mississippi Code related to engineering and land surveying. This bill consolidates the licensure provisions for engineers to include land surveyors, establishing a unified framework under which both professions will be regulated. The act defines new qualifications for the licensure board members, updates meeting requirements, and introduces measures for increased application and renewal fees for both professional engineers and surveyors.
Overall, sentiment around HB 1150 appears to be supportive, emphasizing the need for a modernized approach to licensure that benefits both professions. However, there are concerns about the increased fees associated with licensure, which some stakeholders argue could pose a disadvantage, particularly for new entrants into the professional field. Advocacy for transparency and accessibility in the licensing process has also been highlighted in discussions surrounding the bill.
Notable points of contention include the potential impact of rising fees on licensing, which some opposition voices argue could limit access for aspiring land surveyors and engineers. Furthermore, the bill consolidates authority under a unified board for both engineers and surveyors, raising questions among some professionals about the adequacy of representation for each discipline. There is a concern that the merger may dilute the unique needs and challenges faced by each professional group within the regulatory framework.