HB 2613 proposes to de-regulate assayers, cremationists, citrus packers, athletic trainers, landscape architects — and geologists. In its letter to the Legislature in August 2015, the Board of Technical Registration acknowledged that some specialties should be deregulated, but not geologists. Under this bill, the Board would cease to have authority over geologists, and the term Registered Geologist would disappear from statute. The bill gives the following language in its place:
32-152.C. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, “PROFESSIONAL GEOLOGIST” AND “PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT” MEAN A PERSON WHO HAS EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING: 1. A VALID CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION IN THAT PERSON’S FIELD OF APPLICATION THAT IS ISSUED BY A NATIONAL BUREAU OF REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION. 2. A DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE FROM AN ACCREDITED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IN THAT PERSON’S FIELD.
Over 30 states provide technical registration for geologists. Given Arizona’s diverse geology and reliance on natural resources, geologists with proven competence are necessary to protect the health and safety of the public. Registrants should not allow the technical registration of geologists to be swept away. Geology as a profession will be diminished if HB 2613 passes.
The bill has five sponsors and seven co-sponsors, and is apparently moving fast — so time is of the essence. You know what to do.