US House Concurrent Resolution (H.Con.Res.) 96 Highlights Importance of Professional Licensure

US House Concurrent Resolution (H.Con.Res.) 96

From John M. Palatiello, contract federal lobbyist for NSPS, as reported by John Lloyd, MALSCE's representative to NSPS

I'm pleased to report that this past Thursday, March 7, Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) introduced House Concurrent Resolution (H.Con.Res.) 96.  

This is “sense of the Congress” resolution expresses the view that design professional licensure (architects, engineers, surveyors) is critical to public health, safety, and welfare, recognizes the role these professions play in our economy, and sends a signal to states that they should not affect these professions in occupational licensing reform.  Although non-binding, its introduction makes a powerful statement.

While the case for reform of licensing in some occupations is desirable, bills introduced in some state legislators are too broadly drafted and fail to exempt or recognize the importance of licensing of design professionals.  This the introduction of this resolution sends a strong signal from Congress to the states that care should be taken to preserve the necessary and legitimate licensing of architects, engineers, and surveyors.

We have been working with the Congressman and staff beginning with a meeting with him this past July at a constituent engineering and surveying firm in Gettysburg, in his district. 

Please promote this in your state.  Highlight the positive aspects of this resolution.  Quote from the text of the resolution.

Here are actions you are respectively urged to take:

1. Include news of this legislation in your state society newsletter or in a special email to members.

2. Post information in your social media.

3. Make certain your state lobbyist and Legislative Committee is aware of this legislation.

   1. Be sure to share news of this resolution with your most friendly state legislators, as well as any legislators who have introduced occupational licensing reform bills in your state legislature.

4. If your society is part of any formal or informal design council or coalition with architects and engineers, be sure to notify them of this resolution.

5. Share this information with your state licensing board, Governor, Secretary of Labor and other relevant government officials.

This will be one of the issues NSPS members will discuss on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on the NSPS Day on the Hill, Tuesday, April 23. 

This notice is being sent to all NSPS Officers and Directors and all state surveying society Executive Directors.

from John M. Palatiello, Miller/Wenhold Capitol Strategies, LLC for NSPS