The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors convened for its Regular Quarterly Board Meeting on February 16, 2024, addressing several key agenda items, including new board member introductions, licensing matters, and updates on international licensure agreements.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of new board member Mr. Moreno, a licensed civil engineer with a master's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. Board members expressed their enthusiasm for his contributions to the board's mission of public protection through engineering standards.

Following the introductions, the Licensing and Registration Committee reported on two personal appearances regarding licensure applications. The first applicant, Mr. Philip Badger, presented a history of multiple criminal incidents. After thorough discussion, the committee recommended his licensure contingent upon successful completion of a 30-hour ethics class. The motion received unanimous support from the board.

The second applicant, Mr. Derek Waterman, also had a history of undisclosed criminal incidents, including a felony. The committee acknowledged his progress toward rehabilitation and recommended his licensure upon completion of a 60-hour ethics course. This motion was similarly approved by the board, highlighting the committee's careful consideration of each applicant's character and qualifications.

The meeting then transitioned to an international licensure report, where representatives discussed a recent visit to the UK aimed at establishing mutual recognition agreements for engineering licensure. The discussions focused on the potential for cross-licensure between Texas and the UK, emphasizing the importance of aligning standards and recognizing qualifications across borders. The board anticipates further developments on this front, with plans to review the agreement's language in the upcoming May meeting.

Additionally, updates were provided on the engineering and surveying exam processes. The board reported successful initial offerings of the Texas-specific surveying exam, with a solid pass rate. Plans for future exams in 2024 were also outlined, including quality control measures to enhance candidate preparation.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to maintaining high standards in engineering and surveying licensure while fostering international collaboration. The next steps include finalizing the international agreement and continuing to support applicants in their licensure journeys.