After a two-hour Commerce Committee hearing on Monday, April 29
th, House Bill 354 by Rep. Reid Falconer, AIA, which would have eliminated the exemption in the Louisiana Architectural License Law allowing civil engineers to practice architecture, was voluntarily deferred for the 2019 Legislative Session. The 2019 session is a fiscal session and is required to end on June 6
th. This means the bill will not be heard again this year.
Team AIA argued that Louisiana is the only state that allows a specific exemption for civil engineers to practice architecture. Lisa Nice, AIA, Steve Maher, AIA, Buddy Ragland, AIA and Dale Clary, JD of Long Law firm testified for AIA Louisiana. Also, appearing before the committee were Fabian Patin, AIA, current board member, James Guillory, AIA and Eugene Thibodeaux, AIA. The team was also joined by Adam Haddox, AIA Louisiana lobbyist and Executive Director Lynn Robertson. We express our gratitude to Rep. Reid Falconer, AIA, and all AIA members who contacted legislators, made PAC donations and were involved in the process. AIA Louisiana will continue to research data regarding scope of practice issues.
In the future, members should contact AIA Louisiana for any circumstances in which architects or civil engineers are jeopardizing the health, safety and welfare of the public. AIA Louisiana will contact the licensing board confidentially. If you see something, say something! LSBAE has the authority to discipline engineers who practice architecture for the following items:
- Practice any fraud, deceit, dishonesty, gross negligence, misrepresentation, gross incompetence, or misconduct in the practice of architecture
- Affix his seal or stamp or name to any specification, drawing or other related document which was not prepared by him under his responsible supervision and control, or permit his seal, stamp, or name to be affixed to any such document
- Use any advertising or solicitation which is false or misleading
Our number one goal is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. Please help us to achieve this goal.
