The Virginia House of Delegates unanimously passed House Bill 1254 on February 9th. The bill makes several changes to professional regulations including a provision that would allow any Virginia state agency or political subdivision in Virginia, if after a reasonable and unsuccessful search to employ a qualified licensed engineer, can fill a responsible charge position with an unlicensed person.

There are many positions in government that require an individual to oversee design, construction and/or maintenance of engineering structures or projects. Often these positions involve supervision of engineering professionals. ASCE believes that the public interest is best served when these positions are filled by licensed professional engineers who understand the impact of engineering decisions on public health, safety, and welfare.

HB 1254 now sits in the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee. Please send a message to your Virginia senator asking them not to support the bill and uphold hiring qualified licensed engineers to lead agencies overseeing our state’s infrastructure.