ALLOW USE OF ELECTRONIC SEAL

House Bill 4585

Sponsor:  Rep. Rob VerHeulen

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 9-9-13

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4585 AS INTRODUCED 4-18-13

The bill would amend Article 20 of the Occupational Code to allow architects, professional engineers, and professional surveyors to use an electronic seal when filing plans, specifications, plats, or reports with a public authority.

Currently, individuals licensed under Article 20 as an architect, professional engineer, or professional surveyor are required to obtain a seal with the individual's name and a notation of the individual's licensed profession.  Any plans, specifications, plats, or reports that are issued by the licensed individual must be sealed when being filed with a public authority.

The bill would allow an individual licensed under Article 20 to seal documents for submission to a public authority using an electronic seal (instead of the current seal required under Article 20) that includes the licensee's name, licensed occupation, and electronic signature, and any additional information that is required by the occupation's licensing board.

The bill would not change the requirement that individuals obtain a seal once they are issued a license as an architect, professional engineer, or professional surveyor under Article 20.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would not have a significant fiscal impact on the state or local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Jeff Stoutenburg

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Paul Holland

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.