Establishes the profession of geology; provides for professional licensing for geologists

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, the business corporation law, the limited liability company law and the partnership law, in relation to providing for the licensing of the profession of geology

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish the practice of geology as a licensed profession in the State of New York and to establish standards of education and experience as a prerequisite to licensure

Summary of specific provisions

* Section 1- The bill amends the Education Law by adding six new sections to establish a system of licensure for geologists practicing in the State of New York. * Geologists must who have acquired the required education, experience and pass an exam,. will qualify to become licensed by the New York State Education Department as Professional Geologists. * Expands the combined state board for engineering and land surveying to include geology for the purpose of assisting the Board of Regents and the Education Department on matters of professional licensing and professional conduct. * Exempts from its requirements the practice of professional engineer and the practice of professional land surveying by those duly licensed in the State of New York. * amends the Business Corporation Law and the Limited Liability Company Law to authorize licensed geologists to join with licensed engineers, land surveyors, architects and landscape architects in the formation of joint enterprise, partnership, professional service corporation or a professional service limited liability company, or any combination thereof.

Justification

Rendering scientific expert opinion regarding geological conditions to State or local government agencies and the public can have significant impact on the environmental quality of New York State and on the safety, property and well-being of its citizens. Geologists routinely conduct investigations and provide interpretive geologic services related to the development and protection of groundwater resources, the subsurface disposal of hazardous wastes and the potential for migration of contamination.

There are currently twenty-four states, including California, Illinois, Florida and Pennsylvania that require licensure of geologists. This bill adds geologists to the list of professionals currently licensed by the State Education Department.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

The State Education Department estimates the cost to implement this legislation would be $155,000, to be supported by licensure fees.

Effective date

This act shall take effect three years after the date on which it shall have become a law.