House passes Edwards bill making it easier for professional engineers to maintain a designer’s license

State House — The House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by House Majority Whip John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Portsmouth, Tiverton) that would make it easier for professional engineers to maintain a designer’s license.

The bill (2019-H 5365) would provide that professional engineers who are registered and authorized to practice by the Rhode Island State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers meet the qualifications for a designer’s license.

“Professional engineers are registered by the state and have already exhibited their professional prowess and skills to the state,” said Representative Edwards. “It’s unnecessary and burdensome to have these engineers retested for something they’ve already been certified to do. These people are designing these systems in their everyday course of business, and it’s redundant for them to have to take another test.”

Those who are authorized to practice engineering in Rhode Island would no longer be required to pass a written examination or to attend or enroll in continuing education programs as a requirement for the granting and renewal of their designer’s license.

The measure now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation (2019-S 0398) has been introduced by Sen. Roger A. Picard (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland).