BILL ANALYSIS Ó SB 152 Page 1 Date of Hearing: July 3, 2013 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair SB 152 (Roth) - As Amended: April 8, 2013 Policy Committee: Business and Professions Vote: 9 - 3 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill deletes the current temporary licensing authority that allows engineers, geologists and geophysicists who are licensed in other states to practice engineering, geology, and geophysics in California. In addition, this bill requires the use of a written contract when contracting to provide geological or geophysical services. FISCAL EFFECT Costs associated with this legislation should be minor and absorbable within existing resources. COMMENTS Purpose . This bill, sponsored by the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, repeals the board's authority to issue a temporary authorization to out-of-state licensees to practice geology, geophysics or engineering in the state in order to ensure that those professionals have sufficient knowledge of California's unique seismic issues. In addition, this bill requires geologists and geophysicists to execute a written contract, similar to that currently required of engineers, prior to performing work in order to better protect consumers from unfair contracting or billing practices. The author argues that temporary authorizations can pose a risk to the health and safety of consumers because individuals who are not licensed in California may not be familiar with the terrain, soils or seismic issues specific to California. SB 152 Page 2 Analysis Prepared by : Julie Salley-Gray / APPR. / (916) 319-2081