This is the launch of NYSSPE’s Legislative Update Videos; a monthly video series that will feature NYSSPE’s Executive Director, Anthony Fasano, PE. and Legislative Council Mark, Kriss, Esq. discussing the legislative updates that NYSSPE is involved in and affected by.
Below is a breakdown of the topics discussed and a time stamp that will allow you to navigate the video to the topic of your choice.
[00:09] STATE BUDGET:
The most recent budget was passed on time. The coalition NYSSPE participated in a lobby day on March 21st for purposes of securing highway funding and mass transit which was organized by Rebuild NY Now. This Budget has provided the largest single authorization of capital spending ever in NYS for highway transportation. It is still being fully analyzed.
[1:37] DESIGN BUILD: This topic covers the options available for project delivery.
Authorization for Design Build is pushing for flexibility on how projects move forward.
NYSSPE ‘s concerns for PE’s are:
1. Make certain there is a direct contract with Engineering firms and owners of the project for any construction manager at risk project.
2. To ensure qualification based selection (QBS) is the cornerstone on how firms are selected.
The bill is expected before the summer recess and anticipated to be considered in the 2017 Legislation.
[3:16] Empolyee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
This issue focuses on 2011 Legislation that broadened the ownership abilities of parties other than design professionals to own a design firm in New York. NYSSPE was an original sponsor of the bill.
This specific Bill will require that ownership remains (75%) in the hands of management or shareholders that are licensees.
[5:43] LAND SURVEYOR LEGISLATION
Update: The proposed bill will allow land surveyors to perform engineering services in relation to minor subdivisions. There is a solid effort being made to redefine the scope of Land Surveyors. Land surveyors are pushing forward on this bill, but it does not benefit engineers so NYSSPE will continue to fight it.
[8:07] NYC DOB LEGISLATION: There are some concerns about proposed DOB guidelines that would call for designers of projects to act ad both design engineer and the engineer during inspection and be responsible for making sure construction is consistent with the design; essentially certifying the building was built in a certain fashion.
We want to allow members to participant in both segments of a project or the flexibility to only choose to be part of one piece of the project.
It is a high priority to share and update our members of the constant changes within NYS legislation with respect to engineering and we want to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to send in topics you wish to see discussed in the video update. Email Rachel with any ideas or suggestions.
NOTE: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.
Rudi says
I would consider breaking up the video by topic into four or five segments of 2-3 minutes for each topic. Members interested in NYC DOB can watch a 2-3 minute video and members interested in design-build can do the same, etc.