Coming down to the wire on bill to de-license geologists in Arizona

The Arizona Chapter of the American Institute of Professional Geologists sent out this update regarding HB2613, which eliminates licensing for geologists and a number of other professions. AIPG and other professional organizations oppose the bill:

We are coming down to the wire.

The Senate Commerce Committee heard the bill yesterday and passed it along party lines.  Several Republican senators expressed concern about the bill when they voted to pass it. 

 The next step is for the Bill to go to the Senate floor – first for Committee of the Whole where there could be additional amendments considered, then to a 3rd read where they would officially vote on the engrossed version.  If any amendments are adopted where the Bill is different than the House version it would need to go back to the House where the Bill sponsor ([Rep.] Petersen) could either concur with the amendments or not concur.  If he concurs with the amendments it would need a final vote in the House.  If he does not concur it would then get thrown into conference committee.  Bottom line is we are hoping for a floor amendment in Senate Committee of the Whole that would remove sections F and G of the Bill.  

….. F. A TRAINED GEOLOGIST MAY ENGAGE IN A GEOLOGICAL PRACTICE WITHOUT BEING REGISTERED UNDER THIS CHAPTER.   (Trained was added and defined in Section G)

….G. “Trained Geologist” means a person who has:

               1)Earned a Geology degree from an accredited Educational Institution.

               2) Participated in geologic work experience outside of an educational institution for at least 4 years.

Providing an option for individuals to practice geology in the state would result (Section F) in allowing those individuals with a sketchy background (had their license suspended or revoked in Az or another state due to malpractice, have committed a felony, and/or have committed an ethical violation) to pursue being able to provide Geologic Service to the unsuspecting public without being vetted by the BTR [Arizona Board of Technical Registration] through their permit and renewal process.