The following was written by Mark C. Kriss, Esq., The New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) Legislative and Legal Counsel.
The 2014 New York State Legislative Session recessed on June 20th, after the Governor and legislative leaders reached agreement on a number of prominent issues ranging from delaying core curriculum teacher evaluations to the authorization of medical marijuana under ridged physician and dispenser supervision. With respect to the NYSSPE, and the professional engineering community, the session saw progress on a number of key issues as detailed below.
Geology – A 4753D / S 3810D (Englebright / Marcellino)
For many years NYSSPE has advocated for the adoption of a New York State law licensing professional geologists. The Society is pleased to report that legislation licensing professional geologists has passed both houses with NYSSPE’s support. The measure provides that geologists can identify and quantify the constitute parts of the strata comprising the earth crust, mantle, etc., but under no circumstances may they engage in the practice of “professional engineering” including design. At the same time professional engineers, who are competent in the area of geology, may carry out all of the activities otherwise reserved to professional geologists. Additionally, professional geologists can join professional design firms as principals along with professional engineers, architects, landscape architects and land surveyors or any combination thereof. (Presently, a geologist would be limited to holding a minority interest in a design professional service corporation not to exceed 24.99% of the firm shares.) NYSSPE will now advocate for the bill with the Governor’s Office. [Read more…]