SB 6048

Z-0438.4
  SENATE BILL 6048
State of Washington        69th Legislature       2026 Regular Session
By Senators Liias, Dozier, and Nobles; by request of  Board   of
Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
Prefiled 01/09/26. Read first time 01/12/26.     Referred to Committee
on Labor & Commerce.
1      AN ACT Relating to the professional engineers' registration act;
2  amending RCW 18.43.030, 18.43.033, 18.43.035, 18.43.040, 18.43.050,
3  18.43.060, 18.43.070, 18.43.080, 18.43.100, 18.43.130, 18.43.150,
4  18.43.170, and 18.43.200; and reenacting and amending RCW 18.43.020.
5  BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
6     Sec. 1. RCW 18.43.020 and 2019 c 442 s 8 are each reenacted and
7 amended to read as follows:
8     The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter
9 unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
10     (1)   "Board"   means   the   state   board   of   registration for
11 professional engineers and professional land surveyors, provided for
12 by this chapter.
13     (2) "Director" means the ((executive)) director of the Washington
14 state   board   of   registration    for  professional    engineers and
15 professional land surveyors.
16     (3) (("Engineer" means a professional engineer as defined in this
17 section.
18     (4))) "Engineer-in-training" means a candidate who: (a) Has
19 satisfied   the   experience    requirements   in   RCW   18.43.040 for
20 registration; (b) has successfully passed the examination in the
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1 fundamental engineering subjects; and (c) is enrolled by the board as
2 an engineer-in-training.
3     (((5))) (4) "Engineering" means the "practice of engineering" as
4 defined in this section.
5     (((6) "Land surveyor" means a professional land surveyor.
6     (7))) (5) "Land-surveyor-in-training" means a candidate who: (a)
7 Has satisfied the experience requirements in RCW 18.43.040 for
8 registration; (b) successfully passes the examination in the
9 fundamental land surveying subjects; and (c) is enrolled by the board
10 as a land-surveyor-in-training.
11     (((8))) (6)(a) "Practice of engineering" means any professional
12 service or creative work requiring engineering education, training,
13 and experience and the application of special knowledge of the
14 mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences to such professional
15 services or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation,
16 planning, design, and supervision of construction for the purpose of
17 assuring compliance with specifications and design, in connection
18 with any public or private utilities, structures, buildings,
19 machines, equipment, processes, works, or projects.
20     (b) A person shall be construed to practice or offer to practice
21 engineering, within the meaning and intent of this chapter, who
22 practices any branch of the profession of engineering; or who, by
23 verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or in any other
24 way represents ((himself or herself)) themself to be a professional
25 engineer, or through the use of some other title implies that ((he or
26 she is)) they are a professional engineer; or who holds ((himself or
27 herself)) themself out as able to perform, or who does perform, any
28 engineering service or work or any other professional service
29 designated   by   the   practitioner   or recognized  by   educational
30 authorities as engineering.
31     (c) The practice of engineering does not include the work
32 ordinarily performed by persons who operate or maintain machinery or
33 equipment.
34     (((9)))   (7)   "Practice   of   land surveying"  means   assuming
35 responsible charge of the surveying of land for the establishment of
36 corners, lines, boundaries, and monuments, the laying out and
37 subdivision of land, the defining and locating of corners, lines,
38 boundaries, and monuments of land after they have been established,
39 the survey of land areas for the purpose of determining the
40 topography thereof, the making of topographical delineations and the
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1 preparing of maps and accurate records thereof, when the proper
2 performance of such services requires technical knowledge and skill.
3     (((10))) (8) "Professional engineer" means a person who, by
4 reason of ((his or her)) the person's special knowledge of the
5 mathematical and physical sciences and the principles and methods of
6 engineering analysis and design, acquired by professional education
7 and practical experience, is qualified to practice engineering as
8 defined in this section, as attested by ((his or her)) the person's
9 legal registration as a professional engineer.
10     (((11))) (9) "Professional land surveyor" means a person who, by
11 reason of ((his or her)) the person's special knowledge of the
12 mathematical and physical sciences and principles and practices of
13 land surveying, which is acquired by professional education and
14 practical experience, is qualified to practice land surveying and as
15 attested to by ((his or her)) the person's legal registration as a
16 professional land surveyor.
17     (((12))) (10) "Significant structures" include:
18     (a) Hazardous facilities, defined as: Structures housing,
19 supporting,   or   containing  sufficient   quantities  of   explosive
20 substances to be of danger to the safety of the public if released;
21     (b) Essential facilities that have a ground area of more than
22 five thousand square feet and are more than twenty feet in mean roof
23 height above average ground level. Essential facilities are defined
24 as:
25     (i) Hospitals and other medical facilities having surgery and
26 emergency treatment areas;
27     (ii) Fire and police stations;
28     (iii)   Tanks   or  other   structures  containing,  housing,   or
29 supporting water or fire suppression material or equipment required
30 for the protection of essential or hazardous facilities or special
31 occupancy structures;
32     (iv) Emergency vehicle shelters and garages;
33     (v) Structures and equipment in emergency preparedness centers;
34     (vi) Standby power-generating equipment for essential facilities;
35     (vii) Structures and equipment in government communication
36 centers and other facilities requiring emergency response;
37     (viii) Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers, and
38 emergency aircraft hangars; and
39     (ix) Buildings and other structures having critical national
40 defense functions;
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1      (c) Structures exceeding one hundred feet in height above average
2  ground level;
3      (d) Buildings that are customarily occupied by human beings and
4  are five stories or more above average ground level;
5      (e) Bridges having a total span of more than two hundred feet and
6  piers having a surface area greater than ten thousand square feet;
7  and
8      (f) Buildings and other structures where more than three hundred
9  people congregate in one area.
10     Sec. 2. RCW 18.43.030 and 2011 c 336 s 481 are each amended to
11 read as follows:
12     A state board of registration for professional engineers and
13 professional land surveyors is hereby created which shall exercise
14 all of the powers and perform all of the duties conferred upon it by
15 this chapter. ((After July 9, 1986, the)) The board shall consist of
16 seven members, who shall be appointed by the governor and shall have
17 the qualifications as hereinafter required. ((The terms of board
18 members in office on June 11, 1986, shall not be affected. The first
19 additional member shall be appointed for a four-year term and the
20 second additional member shall be appointed for a three-year term.))
21 On the expiration of the term of any member, the governor shall
22 appoint a successor for a term of five years to take the place of the
23 member whose term on said board is about to expire. However, no
24 member shall serve more than two consecutive terms on the board. Each
25 member shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which
26 such member is appointed or until a successor qualified as described
27 in this chapter shall have been duly appointed ((and shall have
28 qualified)).
29     Five members of the board shall be registered professional
30 engineers licensed under the provisions of this chapter. Two members
31 shall be registered professional land surveyors licensed under this
32 chapter. Each of the members of the board shall have been actively
33 engaged in the practice of engineering or land surveying for at least
34 ((ten)) 10 years subsequent to registration, five of which shall have
35 been immediately prior to their appointment to the board.
36     Each member of the board shall ((be a citizen of the United
37 States and shall)) have been a resident of this state for at least
38 five years immediately preceding ((his or her)) the member's
39 appointment.
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1      Each member of the board shall be compensated in accordance with
2  RCW 43.03.240 and, in addition thereto, shall be reimbursed for
3  travel expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this
4  chapter in accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
5      The governor may remove any member of the board for misconduct,
6  incompetency, or neglect of duty. Vacancies in the membership of the
7  board shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment by the
8  governor as hereinabove provided.
9     Sec. 3.   RCW 18.43.033 and 1997 c 247 s 1 are each amended to
10 read as follows:
11     Upon request of the board, ((and with approval of the director,
12 the board chair shall appoint up to two individuals to serve as pro
13 tem members of the board. The appointments are limited, as defined by
14 the board chair, for the purpose of participating as a temporary
15 member of the board on any combination of one or more committees or
16 formal disciplinary hearing panels. An appointed individual must meet
17 the same qualifications as a regular member of the board)) the
18 director shall select a candidate for a pro tem board member position
19 and upon approval of the board, the board chair shall make the
20 appointment. Up to three individuals may serve as pro tem board
21 members. A pro tem board member will be participating as a temporary
22 member of the board and perform services as needed and determined by
23 the director, including ensuring sufficient case reviewers, forming a
24 quorum at a board meeting, serving on any combination of one or more
25 committees, or participating as needed at formal disciplinary
26 hearings. An appointed individual must be registered under this
27 chapter or licensed under chapter 18.210 RCW for a minimum of five
28 years immediately prior to the appointment. While serving as a board
29 member pro tem, an appointed person has all the powers, duties, and
30 immunities of a regular member of the board and is entitled to the
31 same compensation, including travel expenses, in accordance with RCW
32 18.43.030. A pro tem appointment may not last for more than ((one
33 hundred eighty)) 180 days unless approved by the director.
34     Sec. 4. RCW 18.43.035 and 2020 c 47 s 1 are each amended to read
35 as follows:
36     (1) The board may adopt and amend bylaws establishing its
37 organization and method of operation, including but not limited to
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1 meetings, maintenance of books and records, publication of reports,
2 code of ethics, and rosters, and adoption and use of a seal.
3     (2) Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the
4 conduct of any business of the board.
5     (3) The board shall appoint its director, who must hold a valid
6 Washington license as a professional engineer or professional land
7 surveyor.
8     (4) The board may employ such persons as are necessary to carry
9 out its duties under this chapter.
10     (5) It may adopt rules reasonably necessary to administer the
11 provisions of this chapter. The board shall submit to the governor
12 periodic reports as may be required. A roster, showing the names and
13 ((places   of  business))   mailing   addresses  of   all   registered
14 professional engineers and professional land surveyors may be
15 published for distribution, upon request, to professional engineers
16 and professional land surveyors registered under this chapter and to
17 the public.
18     Sec. 5.   RCW 18.43.040 and 2007 c 193 s 1 are each amended to
19 read as follows:
20     (((1))) The following requirements will be considered as minimum
21 evidence satisfactory to the board that the applicant is qualified
22 for registration as a professional engineer, ((engineer-in-training))
23 structural   engineer,   professional  land   surveyor,   engineer-in-
24 training, or land-surveyor-in-training((, respectively:
25     (a)(i) As a professional engineer:)).
26     (1) PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER. To be licensed as a professional
27 engineer, an applicant must meet the examination and experience
28 requirements delineated in this subsection (1).
29     (a) Examination requirements. An applicant must have received
30 passing scores on examinations required by the board in rule.
31     (b) Experience requirements. A specific record of eight years or
32 more of experience in engineering work of a character satisfactory to
33 the board and ((indicating)) showing that the applicant is competent
34 to practice engineering((; and successfully passing a written or oral
35 examination, or both, in engineering as prescribed by the board.
36     (ii) Graduation in an approved engineering curriculum of four
37 years or more from a school or college approved by the board as of
38 satisfactory standing shall be considered equivalent to four years of
39 such required experience. The satisfactory completion of each year of
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1 such an approved engineering course without graduation shall be
2 considered as equivalent to a year of such required experience.
3 Graduation in a curriculum other than engineering from a school or
4 college approved by the board shall be considered as equivalent to
5 two years of such required experience. However, no applicant shall
6 receive credit for more than four years of experience because of
7 undergraduate educational qualifications. The board may, at its
8 discretion, give credit as experience not in excess of one year, for
9 satisfactory postgraduate study in engineering.
10     (iii) Structural engineering is recognized as a specialized
11 branch of professional engineering. To receive a certificate of
12 registration in structural engineering, an applicant must hold a
13 current registration in this state in engineering and have)).
14     (i) The experience must be broad based and progressive to include
15 gaining knowledge and comprehension of engineering subjects and
16 applying engineering principles.
17     (ii) Education or teaching at a college or university may
18 constitute a portion of the required experience as follows:
19     (A) An undergraduate degree, or its equivalent, in an engineering
20 program approved by the board will be considered the equivalent of
21 four years of experience;
22     (B) Satisfactory completion of each year of an engineering
23 program may be considered the equivalent of one year of experience at
24 the discretion of the board;
25     (C) An undergraduate degree in a nonengineering program may be
26 considered the equivalent of engineering experience at the discretion
27 of the board;
28     (D) No more than four years of experience may be granted for
29 undergraduate education; and
30     (E) Experience may be granted for teaching and postgraduate
31 education as further defined by, and at the discretion of, the board.
32     (iii) The mere execution, as a contractor, of work designed by a
33 professional engineer, or the supervision of the construction of such
34 work as a foreman or superintendent may not be deemed to be the
35 practice of engineering.
36     (2) STRUCTURAL ENGINEER. Structural engineering is recognized as
37 a specialized branch of professional engineering. A professional
38 engineer must be registered as a structural engineer to provide
39 structural engineering services for significant structures. To become
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1 licensed as a structural engineer, an applicant must meet the
2 following requirements:
3     (a) Hold a current registration as a professional engineer in
4 this state;
5     (b) Have at least two years of structural engineering experience,
6 of a character satisfactory to the board, in addition to the eight
7 years' experience required for registration as a professional
8 engineer((. An applicant for registration as a structural engineer
9 must also pass an additional examination as prescribed by the board.
10     (iv) An engineer must be registered as a structural engineer in
11 order to provide structural engineering services for significant
12 structures. The board may waive the requirements of this subsection
13 (1)(a)(iv) until December 31, 2010, if:
14     (A) On January 1, 2007, the engineer is registered with the board
15 as a professional engineer; and
16     (B) Within two years of January 1, 2007, the engineer
17 demonstrates to the satisfaction of the board that the engineer has
18 sufficient experience in the duties typically provided by a
19 professional structural engineer regarding significant structures.
20     (b)(i) As an engineer-in-training: An applicant for registration
21 as a professional engineer shall take the prescribed examination in
22 two stages. The first stage of the examination may be taken upon
23 submission of his or her application for registration as an engineer-
24 in-training and payment of the application fee prescribed in RCW
25 18.43.050 at any time after the applicant has completed four years of
26 the required engineering experience, as defined in this section, or
27 has achieved senior standing in a school or college approved by the
28 board. The first stage of the examination shall test the applicant's
29 knowledge of appropriate fundamentals of engineering subjects,
30 including mathematics and the basic sciences.
31     (ii) At any time after the completion of the required eight years
32 of engineering experience, as defined in this section, the applicant
33 may take the second stage of the examination upon submission of an
34 application for registration and payment of the application fee
35 prescribed in RCW 18.43.050. This stage of the examination shall test
36 the applicant's ability, upon the basis of his or her greater
37 experience, to apply his or her knowledge and experience in the field
38 of his or her specific training and qualifications.
39     (c)(i) As a professional land surveyor: A specific record of
40 eight years or more of experience in land surveying work of a
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1 character satisfactory to the board and indicating that the applicant
2 is competent to practice land surveying, and successfully passing a
3 written or oral examination, or both, in surveying as prescribed by
4 the board.
5     (ii) Graduation from a school or college approved by the board as
6 of satisfactory standing, including the completion of an approved
7 course in surveying, shall be considered equivalent to four years of
8 the required experience. Postgraduate college courses approved by the
9 board shall be considered for up to one additional year of the
10 required experience.
11     (d)(i)   As   a  land-surveyor-in-training:   An  applicant   for
12 registration as a professional land surveyor shall take the
13 prescribed examination in two stages. The first stage of the
14 examination may be taken upon submission of his or her application
15 for registration as a land-surveyor-in-training and payment of the
16 application fee prescribed in RCW 18.43.050 at any time after the
17 applicant has completed four years of the required land surveying
18 experience, as defined in this section, or has achieved senior
19 standing in a school or college approved by the board. The first
20 stage of the examination shall test the applicant's knowledge of
21 appropriate fundamentals of land surveying subjects, including
22 mathematics and the basic sciences.
23     (ii) At any time after the completion of the required eight years
24 of land surveying experience, as defined in this section, the
25 applicant may take the second stage of the examination upon
26 submission of an application for registration and payment of the
27 application fee prescribed in RCW 18.43.050. This stage of the
28 examination shall test the applicant's ability, upon the basis of
29 greater experience, to apply knowledge and experience in the field of
30 land surveying.
31     (iii) The first stage shall be successfully completed before the
32 second stage may be attempted. Applicants who have been approved by
33 the board to take the examination based on the requirement for six
34 years of experience under this section before July 1, 1996, are
35 eligible to sit for the examination.
36     (2) No person shall be eligible for registration as a
37 professional   engineer,   engineer-in-training,  professional   land
38 surveyor, or land-surveyor-in-training, who is not of good character
39 and reputation.
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1     (3) Teaching, of a character satisfactory to the board shall be
2 considered as experience not in excess of two years for the
3 appropriate profession.
4     (4) The mere execution, as a contractor, of work designed by a
5 professional engineer, or the supervision of the construction of such
6 work as a foreman or superintendent shall not be deemed to be
7 practice of engineering.
8     (5) Any person having the necessary qualifications prescribed in
9 this chapter to entitle him or her to registration shall be eligible
10 for such registration although the person may not be practicing his
11 or her profession at the time of making his or her application)); and
12     (c) Pass additional examinations as prescribed by the board.
13     (3) PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR. To be licensed as a professional
14 land surveyor, an applicant must meet the examination and experience
15 requirements delineated in this subsection (3).
16     (a) Examination requirements. An applicant must have received
17 passing scores on examinations required by the board in rule.
18     (b) Experience requirements. A specific record of eight years or
19 more of experience in land surveying work of a character satisfactory
20 to the board and showing that the applicant is competent to practice
21 land surveying.
22     (i) The experience must be broad based and progressive to include
23 gaining knowledge and comprehension of land surveying subjects and
24 applying land surveying principles.
25     (ii) Education or teaching at a college or university may
26 constitute a portion of the required experience as follows:
27     (A) An undergraduate degree, or its equivalent, in a land
28 surveying program approved by the board is considered the equivalent
29 of four years of experience;
30     (B) Satisfactory completion of each year of a land surveying
31 program may be considered the equivalent of one year of experience at
32 the discretion of the board;
33     (C) An undergraduate degree in a nonland surveying program may be
34 considered the equivalent of land surveying experience at the
35 discretion of the board;
36     (D) No more than four years of experience will be granted for
37 undergraduate education; and
38     (E) Experience may also be granted for teaching and postgraduate
39 education as further defined by, and at the discretion of, the board.
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1     (4) ENGINEER-IN-TRAINING. An applicant who has completed four
2 years of experience of the type outlined in subsection (1)(b) of this
3 section and has received a passing score on a board-approved
4 examination on the fundamentals of engineering may apply for an
5 engineer-in-training certificate from the board.
6     (5) LAND-SURVEYOR-IN-TRAINING. An applicant who has completed
7 four years of experience of the type outlined in subsection (3)(b) of
8 this section and has received a passing score on a board approved
9 examination on the fundamentals of land surveying may apply for a
10 land-surveyor-in-training certificate from the board.
11     Sec. 6.   RCW 18.43.050 and 2019 c 442 s 5 are each amended to
12 read as follows:
13     Application for registration shall be on forms prescribed by the
14 board and furnished by the director((, shall contain statements made
15 under oath, showing the applicant's education and detail summary of
16 his or her technical work and shall contain verification of the
17 technical work from professional engineers that supervised the
18 applicant's technical work and have personal knowledge of the
19 applicant's engineering experience)).
20     The registration fee for professional engineers shall be
21 determined by the board, which shall accompany the application and
22 shall include the cost of ((examination)) application processing and
23 issuance of certificate. The fee for engineer-in-training shall be
24 determined by the board, which shall accompany the application and
25 shall include the cost of ((examination)) application processing and
26 issuance of certificate.
27     The registration fee for professional land surveyors shall be
28 determined by the board, which shall accompany the application and
29 shall include the cost of ((examination)) application processing and
30 issuance of certificate. The fee for land-surveyor-in-training shall
31 be determined by the board, which shall accompany the application and
32 shall include the cost of ((examination)) application processing and
33 issuance of certificate.
34     All registration fees are nonrefundable. Should the board find an
35 applicant ineligible for registration, the registration fee shall be
36 retained as an application fee.
37     Sec. 7.   RCW 18.43.060 and 2019 c 442 s 9 are each amended to
38 read as follows:
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1     When oral or written examinations are required, they shall be
2 held at such time and place as the board shall determine. If
3 examinations are required on fundamental engineering subjects (such
4 as ordinarily given in college curricula) the applicant shall be
5 permitted to take this part of the professional examination prior to
6 his or her completion of the requisite years of experience in
7 engineering work. The board shall issue to each applicant upon
8 successfully passing the examination in fundamental engineering or
9 land surveying subjects a certificate stating that the applicant has
10 passed the examination in fundamental ((engineering)) subjects and
11 that ((his or her)) the applicant's name has been recorded as an
12 engineer-in-training or land-surveyor-in-training.
13     The scope of the examination and the methods of procedure shall
14 be prescribed by the board with special reference to the applicant's
15 ability to design and supervise engineering works ((so as to insure))
16 to ensure the safety of life, health, and property. Examinations
17 shall be given for the purpose of determining the qualifications of
18 applicants for registration separately in engineering and in land
19 surveying. ((A candidate failing an examination may apply for
20 reexamination. Subsequent examinations will be granted upon payment
21 of a fee to be determined by the board.))
22     Sec. 8.   RCW 18.43.070 and 2019 c 442 s 10 are each amended to
23 read as follows:
24     The board shall issue a certificate of registration upon payment
25 of a registration fee as provided for in this chapter, to any
26 applicant who, in the opinion of the board, has satisfactorily met
27 all the requirements of this chapter. In case of a registered
28 professional engineer, the certificate shall authorize the practice
29 of "professional engineering" and specify the branch or branches in
30 which specialized, and in case of a registered professional land
31 surveyor, the certificate shall authorize the practice of "land
32 surveying."
33     In case of engineer-in-training, the certificate shall state that
34 the applicant has successfully passed the examination in fundamental
35 engineering subjects required by the board and has been enrolled as
36 an "engineer-in-training." In case of land-surveyor-in-training, the
37 certificate shall state that the applicant has successfully passed
38 the examination in fundamental surveying subjects required by the
39 board and has been enrolled as a "land-surveyor-in-training." All
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1 certificates of registration shall show the full name of the
2 registrant, shall have a serial number, and shall be signed by the
3 chair and the ((secretary of the board and by the)) director.
4     The issuance of a certificate of registration by the board shall
5 be prima facie evidence that the person named therein is entitled to
6 all the rights and privileges of a registered professional engineer
7 or a registered professional land surveyor, while the said
8 certificate remains unrevoked and unexpired.
9     Each registrant hereunder shall upon registration obtain a seal
10 of the design authorized by the board, bearing the registrant's name
11 and the legend "registered professional engineer" or "registered
12 professional land surveyor." Plans, specifications, plats, and
13 reports prepared by the registrant shall be signed, dated, and
14 stamped with said seal or facsimile thereof. Such signature and
15 stamping shall constitute a certification by the registrant that the
16 same was prepared by or under ((his or her)) the registrant's direct
17 supervision and that to ((his or her)) the registrant's knowledge and
18 belief the same was prepared in accordance with the requirements of
19 the statute. It shall be unlawful for anyone to stamp or seal any
20 document with said seal or facsimile thereof after the certificate of
21 registrant named thereon has expired or been revoked, unless said
22 certificate shall have been renewed or reissued.
23     Sec. 9.   RCW 18.43.080 and 2019 c 442 s 11 are each amended to
24 read as follows:
25     (1) Certificates of registration((,)) and certificates of
26 authorization ((and renewals thereof, shall expire on the last day of
27 the month of December following their issuance or renewal and shall
28 become invalid on that date unless renewed)) issued under this
29 chapter are valid for a period of time as determined by the board. It
30 shall be the duty of the board to notify every person, firm, or
31 corporation registered under this chapter of the date of the
32 expiration of ((his or her)) the certificate and the amount of the
33 renewal fee ((that shall be required for its renewal for one year.
34 Such notice shall be mailed at least thirty days before the end of
35 December of each year. Renewal may be effected during the month of
36 December by the payment of a fee determined by the board. In case any
37 professional engineer and/or land surveyor registered under this
38 chapter shall fail to pay the renewal fee hereinabove provided for,
39 within ninety days from the date when the same shall become due, the
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1 renewal fee shall be the current fee plus an amount equal to one
2 year's fee.
3     (2) Beginning July 1, 2007, the)). If a completed application for
4 renewal has not been received by the board by the date of expiration,
5 postmarked before the date of expiration if mailed or transacted
6 online before the date of expiration, the license is invalid.
7     (2) The board may not renew a certificate of registration for a
8 professional land surveyor unless the registrant verifies to the
9 board that ((he or she has completed at least fifteen)) the
10 registrant   has   completed   the  required   hours   of   continuing
11 professional development ((per year of the registration period. By
12 July 1, 2006, the board shall adopt rules governing continuing
13 professional development for land surveyors that are generally
14 patterned after the model rules of the national council of examiners
15 for engineering and surveying)).
16     Sec. 10.   RCW 18.43.100 and 2023 c 274 s 1 are each amended to
17 read as follows:
18     (1) The board may, upon application and the payment of a fee
19 determined by the board, issue a certificate as a professional
20 engineer or professional land surveyor to any person who holds a
21 certificate of qualification of registration issued to the applicant
22 following examination by proper authority, of any state or territory
23 or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or of
24 any foreign country, if: (a) The applicant meets all requirements of
25 this chapter and the rules established by the board ((to qualify for
26 such waiver)), and (b) the applicant is in good standing with the
27 licensing agency in said state, territory, possession, district, or
28 foreign country.
29     (2) The board shall waive the fundamentals examination for
30 applicants who ((have passed the national council for examiners for
31 engineering and surveying principles and practice examination, have
32 met the experience and education requirements established by the
33 board, and are in good standing with the licensing agency in a state,
34 territory, possession, district, or foreign country)) meet the
35 requirements as defined by the board in rule.
36     Sec. 11.   RCW 18.43.130 and 2019 c 442 s 3 are each amended to
37 read as follows:
38     This chapter shall not be construed to prevent or affect:
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1     (1) The practice of any other legally recognized profession or
2 trade; ((or))
3     (2) ((The practice of a person not a resident and having no
4 established place of business in this state, practicing or offering
5 to practice herein the profession of engineering or land surveying,
6 when such practice does not exceed in the aggregate more than thirty
7 days in any calendar year: PROVIDED, Such person has been determined
8 by the board to be legally qualified by registration to practice the
9 said profession in his or her own state or country in which the
10 requirements and qualifications for obtaining a certificate of
11 registration are not lower than those specified in this chapter. The
12 person shall request such a determination by completing an
13 application prescribed by the board and accompanied by a fee
14 determined by the board. Upon approval of the application, the board
15 shall issue a permit authorizing temporary practice; or
16     (3) The practice of a person not a resident and having no
17 established place of business in this state, or who has recently
18 become a resident thereof, practicing or offering to practice herein
19 for more than thirty days in any calendar year the profession of
20 engineering or land surveying, if he or she shall have filed with the
21 board an application for a certificate of registration and shall have
22 paid the fee required by this chapter: PROVIDED, That such person is
23 legally qualified by registration to practice engineering or land
24 surveying in his or her own state or country in which the
25 requirements and qualifications of obtaining a certificate of
26 registration are not lower than those specified in this chapter. Such
27 practice shall continue only for such time as the board requires for
28 the consideration of the application for registration; or
29     (4))) The work of an employee or a subordinate of a person
30 holding a certificate of registration under this chapter, or an
31 employee of a person practicing lawfully under provisions of this
32 section: PROVIDED, That such work does not include final design or
33 decisions and is done under the direct responsibility, checking, and
34 supervision of a person holding a certificate of registration under
35 this chapter or a person practicing lawfully under the provisions of
36 this section; ((or
37     (5))) (3) The work of a person rendering engineering or land
38 surveying services to a corporation, as an employee of such
39 corporation, when such services are rendered in carrying on the
40 general business of the corporation and such general business does
  p. 15  SB 6048
1 not consist, either wholly or in part, of the rendering of
2 engineering services to the general public: PROVIDED, That such
3 corporation employs at least one person holding a certificate of
4 registration under this chapter or practicing lawfully under the
5 provisions of this chapter; ((or
6     (6))) (4) The practice of officers or employees of the government
7 of the United States while engaged within the state in the practice
8 of the profession of engineering or land surveying for the government
9 of the United States; ((or
10     (7))) (5) Nonresident engineers employed for the purpose of
11 making engineering examinations; ((or
12     (8))) (6)(a) The practice of engineering or land surveying, or
13 both, in this state by a corporation ((or joint stock association)):
14 PROVIDED, That
15     (((a))) (i) The corporation has filed with the board an
16 application for certificate of authorization upon a form to be
17 prescribed by the board and containing information required to enable
18 the board to determine whether such corporation is qualified in
19 accordance with this chapter to practice engineering or land
20 surveying, or both, in this state;
21     (((b))) (ii) For engineering, the corporation has filed with the
22 board a certified copy of a resolution of the board of directors of
23 the corporation that shall designate a person holding a certificate
24 of registration under this chapter as responsible for the practice of
25 engineering by the corporation in this state and shall provide that
26 full authority to make all final engineering decisions on behalf of
27 the corporation with respect to work performed by the corporation in
28 this state shall be granted and delegated by the board of directors
29 to the person so designated in the resolution. For land surveying,
30 the corporation has filed with the board a certified copy of a
31 resolution of the board of directors of the corporation which shall
32 designate a person holding a certificate of registration under this
33 chapter as responsible for the practice of land surveying by the
34 corporation in this state and shall provide full authority to make
35 all final land surveying decisions on behalf of the corporation with
36 respect to work performed by the corporation in this state be granted
37 and delegated by the board of directors to the person so designated
38 in the resolution. If a corporation offers both engineering and land
39 surveying services, the board of directors shall designate both a
40 licensed professional engineer and a licensed professional land
  p. 16  SB 6048
1 surveyor. If a person is licensed in both engineering and land
2 surveying, the person may be designated for both professions. The
3 resolution shall further state that the bylaws of the corporation
4 shall be amended to include the following provision: "The designated
5 professional engineer or professional land surveyor, respectively,
6 named in the resolution as being in responsible charge, or ((an)) a
7 professional engineer or professional land surveyor under the
8 designated professional engineer or professional land surveyor's
9 direct supervision, shall make all engineering or land surveying
10 decisions pertaining to engineering or land surveying activities in
11 the state of Washington." However, the filing of the resolution shall
12 not relieve the corporation of any responsibility or liability
13 imposed upon it by law or by contract;
14     (((c))) (iii) If there is a change in the designated professional
15 engineer or professional designated land surveyor, the corporation
16 shall notify the board in writing within ((thirty)) 30 days after the
17 effective date of the change. If the corporation changes its name,
18 the corporation shall submit a copy of its amended certificate of
19 authority or amended certificate of incorporation as filed with the
20 secretary of state within ((thirty)) 30 days of the filing;
21     (((d))) (iv) Upon the filing with the board the application for
22 certificate for authorization, certified copy of resolution and an
23 affidavit, and the designation of a designated professional engineer
24 or designated professional land surveyor, or both, specified in
25 (((b))) (a)(ii) of this subsection, the board shall issue to the
26 corporation a certificate of authorization to practice engineering or
27 land surveying, or both, in this state upon a determination by the
28 board that:
29     (((i))) (A) The designated professional engineer or designated
30 professional land surveyor, or both, hold a certificate of
31 registration in this state in accordance with this chapter and the
32 certificate is in force;
33     (((ii))) (B) The designated professional engineer or designated
34 professional land surveyor, or both, are not designated in
35 responsible charge for another corporation or a limited liability
36 company;
37     (((iii))) (C) The corporation is licensed with the secretary of
38 state and holds a current unified business identification number and
39 the board determines, based on evaluating the findings and
40 information in this section, that the applicant corporation possesses
  p. 17  SB 6048
1 the ability and competence to furnish engineering or land surveying
2 services, or both, in the public interest; and
3     (((iv))) (D) The corporation is registered with the department of
4 revenue pursuant to RCW 82.32.030.
5     (b) The board may exercise its discretion to take any of the
6 actions under RCW 18.235.110 or this chapter with respect to a
7 certificate of authorization issued to a corporation if the board
8 finds that any of the officers, directors, incorporators, or the
9 stockholders holding a majority of stock of such corporation has
10 engaged in unprofessional conduct as defined in RCW 18.43.105 or
11 18.235.130   or   has   been   found    personally  responsible   for
12 unprofessional conduct under (((f) and (g))) (d) and (e) of this
13 subsection.
14     (((e) Engineers or)) (c) Professional engineers or professional
15 land surveyors organized as a professional service corporation under
16 chapter 18.100 RCW are exempt from applying for a certificate of
17 authorization under this chapter.
18     (((f))) (d) Any corporation authorized to practice engineering or
19 land surveying under this chapter, together with its directors and
20 officers for their own individual acts, are responsible to the same
21 degree   as   an  individual  registered   professional  engineer   or
22 individual registered professional land surveyor, and must conduct
23 its business without unprofessional conduct in the practice of
24 engineering or the practice of land surveying as defined in this
25 chapter and RCW 18.235.130.
26     (((g))) (e) Any corporation that is certified under this chapter
27 is subject to the authority of the board as provided in RCW
28 18.43.035, 18.43.105, 18.43.110, 18.43.120, and chapter 18.235 RCW.
29     (((h))) (f) All plans, specifications, designs, and reports when
30 issued in connection with work performed by a corporation under its
31 certificate of authorization shall be prepared by or under the direct
32 supervision of and shall be signed by and shall be stamped with the
33 official seal of a person holding a certificate of registration under
34 this chapter.
35     (((i))) (g) For each certificate of authorization issued under
36 this subsection (((8))) (6) there shall be paid an initial fee
37 determined by the board and an annual renewal fee determined by the
38 board((.
39     (9)));
  p. 18  SB 6048
1     (7) The practice of engineering and/or land surveying in this
2 state by a partnership if the partnership employs at least one person
3 holding a valid certificate of registration under this chapter to
4 practice engineering or land surveying, or both((. The board shall
5 not issue certificates of authorization to partnerships after July 1,
6 1998. Partnerships currently registered with the board are not
7 required to pay an annual renewal fee after July 1, 1998.
8     (10))); or
9     (8)(a) The practice of engineering or land surveying, or both, in
10 this state by limited liability companies: Provided, That
11     (((a))) (i) The limited liability company has filed with the
12 board an application for certificate of authorization upon a form to
13 be prescribed by the board and containing information required to
14 enable the board to determine whether the limited liability company
15 is qualified under this chapter to practice either or both
16 engineering or land surveying in this state.
17     (((b))) (ii) The limited liability company has filed with the
18 board a certified copy of a resolution by the company manager or
19 managers that shall designate a person holding a certificate of
20 registration under this chapter as being responsible for the practice
21 of engineering or land surveying, or both, by the limited liability
22 company in this state and that the designated person has full
23 authority to make all final engineering or land surveying decisions
24 on behalf of the limited liability company with respect to work
25 performed by the limited liability company in this state. The
26 resolution shall further state that the limited liability company
27 agreement shall be amended to include the following provision: "The
28 designated professional engineer or professional land surveyor,
29 respectively, named in the resolution as being in responsible charge,
30 or ((an)) a professional engineer or professional land surveyor under
31 the designated professional engineer or professional land surveyor's
32 direct supervision, shall make all engineering or land surveying
33 decisions pertaining to engineering or land surveying activities in
34 the state of Washington." However, the filing of the resolution shall
35 not relieve the limited liability company of responsibility or
36 liability imposed upon it by law or by contract.
37     (((c))) (iii)(A) The designated professional engineer for the
38 limited liability company must hold a current professional engineer
39 license issued by this state.
  p. 19  SB 6048
1     (B) The designated professional land surveyor for the limited
2 liability company must hold a current professional land surveyor
3 license issued by this state.
4     (C) If a person is licensed as both a professional engineer and
5 as a professional land surveyor in this state, then the limited
6 liability company may designate the person as being in responsible
7 charge for both professions.
8     (D) If there is a change in the designated professional engineer
9 or designated professional land surveyor, the limited liability
10 company shall notify the board in writing within ((thirty)) 30 days
11 after the effective date of the change. If the limited liability
12 company changes its name, the company shall submit to the board a
13 copy of the certificate of amendment filed with the secretary of
14 state's office.
15     (((d))) (iv) Upon the filing with the board the application for
16 certificate of authorization, a certified copy of the resolution, and
17 an affidavit from the designated professional engineer or the
18 designated professional land surveyor, or both, specified in (((b)
19 and (c))) (a)(ii) and (iii)(A) of this subsection, the board shall
20 issue to the limited liability company a certificate of authorization
21 to practice engineering or land surveying, or both, in this state
22 upon determination by the board that:
23     (((i))) (A) The designated professional engineer or designated
24 professional land surveyor, or both, hold a certificate of
25 registration in this state under this chapter and the certificate is
26 in force;
27     (((ii))) (B) The designated professional engineer or designated
28 professional land surveyor, or both, are not designated in
29 responsible charge for another limited liability company or a
30 corporation;
31     (((iii))) (C) The limited liability company is licensed with the
32 secretary of state and has a current unified business identification
33 number and that the board determines, based on evaluating the
34 findings and information under this subsection, that the applicant
35 limited liability company possesses the ability and competence to
36 furnish either or both engineering or land surveying services in the
37 public interest; and
38     (((iv))) (D) The limited liability company is registered with the
39 department of revenue pursuant to RCW 82.32.030.
  p. 20  SB 6048
1     (b) The board may exercise its discretion to take any of the
2 actions under RCW 18.235.110 and 18.43.105 with respect to a
3 certificate of authorization issued to a limited liability company if
4 the board finds that any of the managers or members holding a
5 majority interest in the limited liability company has engaged in
6 unprofessional conduct as defined in RCW 18.43.105 or 18.235.130 or
7 has been found personally responsible for unprofessional conduct
8 under the provisions of (((f) and (g))) (d) and (e) of this
9 subsection.
10     (((e) Engineers or)) (c) Professional engineers or professional
11 land surveyors organized as a professional limited liability company
12 are exempt from applying for a certificate of authorization under
13 this chapter.
14     (((f))) (d) Any limited liability company authorized to practice
15 engineering or land surveying, or both, under this chapter, together
16 with its manager or managers and members for their own individual
17 acts, are responsible to the same degree as an individual registered
18 professional engineer or registered professional land surveyor, and
19 must conduct their business without unprofessional conduct in the
20 practice of engineering or land surveying, or both.
21     (((g))) (e) A limited liability company that is certified under
22 this chapter is subject to the authority of the board as provided in
23 RCW 18.43.035, 18.43.105, 18.43.110, 18.43.120, and chapter 18.235
24 RCW.
25      (((h))) (f) All plans, specifications, designs, and reports when
26 issued in connection with work performed by a limited liability
27 company under its certificate of authorization shall be prepared by
28 or under the direct supervision of and shall be signed by and shall
29 be stamped with the official seal of a person holding a certificate
30 of registration under this chapter.
31     (((i))) (g) For each certificate of authorization issued under
32 this subsection (((10))) (8) there shall be paid an initial fee
33 determined by the board and an annual renewal fee determined by the
34 board.
35     Sec. 12. RCW 18.43.150 and 2025 c 424 s 922 are each amended to
36 read as follows:
37     The board shall set fees at a level adequate to pay the costs of
38 administering this chapter. All fees collected under the provisions
39 of RCW 18.43.050, 18.43.060, 18.43.080, 18.43.100, and 18.43.130 and
  p. 21  SB 6048
1 fines collected under RCW 18.43.110 shall be paid into the
2 ((professional engineers')) board of registration for professional
3 engineers and professional land surveyors' account, which account is
4 hereby established in the state treasury to be used to carry out the
5 purposes and provisions of RCW 18.43.050, 18.43.060, 18.43.080,
6 18.43.100, 18.43.110, 18.43.120, 18.43.130, and all other duties
7 required for operation and enforcement of this chapter. During the
8 2013-2015, 2015-2017, and 2025-2027 fiscal biennia, the legislature
9 may transfer moneys from the ((professional engineers')) board of
10 registration for professional engineers and professional land
11 surveyors' account to the state general fund such amounts as reflect
12 the excess fund balance of the fund.
13     Sec. 13. RCW 18.43.170 and 1997 c 58 s 821 are each amended to
14 read as follows:
15     The board shall immediately suspend the registration of a person
16 who has been certified pursuant to RCW 74.20A.320 by the department
17 of social and health services as a person who is not in compliance
18 with a support order ((or a residential or visitation order)). If the
19 person   has   continued   to  meet   all   other   requirements  for
20 ((membership)) registration during the suspension, reissuance of the
21 certificate of registration shall be automatic upon the board's
22 receipt of a release issued by the department of social and health
23 services stating that the person is in compliance with the order.
24     Sec. 14.   RCW 18.43.200 and 2020 c 47 s 2 are each amended to
25 read as follows:
26     The department of licensing, through an interagency agreement
27 with the board, ((must)) shall provide specified technical services
28 to the board((. The initial interagency agreement must be for a term
29 of three years and may be renewed by mutual agreement between the
30 department of licensing and the board)) as mutually agreed upon by
31 both parties.
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