Tennessee Senate Bill SB0964

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4 and Title 62, Chapter 2, Part 4, relative to certificates of registration for engineers.

Impact

SB0964 is positioned to influence the state laws governing the engineering profession in Tennessee by providing a pathway for individuals with experience in engineering projects but without a formal accreditation from recognized engineering programs. This change recognizes the practical experience of engineers who may not have attended traditional accredited programs, thus expanding the pool of qualified engineers eligible for licensure in Tennessee. The legislation could encourage more individuals to pursue engineering credentials, potentially leading to increased workforce participation in the engineering sector.

Summary

Senate Bill 964 (SB0964) is an act aimed at amending the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 4 and Title 62, Chapter 2, Part 4, which deals with the certification of engineers. The bill introduces provisions for graduates of unaccredited engineering technology programs to be eligible for engineering registration once they meet a series of experience and examination requirements. This includes at least twelve years of experience in engineering projects and successful completion of both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) examinations.

Contention

One notable point of contention associated with SB0964 may be the ramifications of allowing graduates from unaccredited programs to obtain licensure. Critics might argue that such a change could dilute the standards for professional engineers, potentially impacting public safety and the quality of engineering work. Supporters, however, would likely contend that the bill provides critical opportunities for experienced individuals to gain formal recognition and that the rigorous examination process serves as an adequate measure of competency.