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 PROVIDE THE TERMS OF OFFICE FOR THE NEWLY CONSTITUTED BOARD SHALL BE SIX YEARS; 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 implications on state laws are significant, as it expands the scope of professional licensing to include land surveyors, which was previously not structured within the same legislative framework as engineering. This means that practitioners of surveying must adhere to new provisions regarding their qualifications, meeting specified educational and experiential criteria. Additionally, the bill increases fees associated with obtaining and renewing licenses, which could impact prospective professionals in the field and potentially limit entry into these professions if costs become prohibitive.
Senate Bill 2706 aims to revise the licensure provisions for engineers and introduces licensure for land surveyors in Mississippi. The bill amends multiple sections of the Mississippi Code to include new definitions related to surveying and sets qualifications for the newly constituted Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. The proposed changes are designed to enhance the standards for engineering and surveying practices, thereby promoting public welfare by ensuring that practitioners meet certain professional criteria before being licensed.
The sentiment surrounding SB 2706 appears to be mixed among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that the measure is a necessary step to elevate the standards of practice in engineering and surveying, ultimately serving public interest. On the other hand, opponents express concerns over the increase in fees and the potential bureaucratic hurdles that could arise from the additional regulations. This divergence in opinions reflects broader tensions between the need for regulatory oversight and the desire to foster a more accessible entry path into these professions.
One notable point of contention revolves around the increased fees for licensure and renewal, which may deter new entrants into the profession. Stakeholders have raised concerns that while the bill's intent is to regulate the profession more strictly for public safety and welfare, it could inadvertently lead to a decrease in the number of licensed professionals available to perform crucial engineering and surveying work. Additionally, changes relating to civil liability for surveyors entering private lands present potential legal implications for practicing surveyors under the new law.