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Panel approves pathway for engineering‑technology graduates to seek professional licensure
Summary
The subcommittee advanced a bill that would let graduates of ABET‑accredited engineering‑technology programs become licensed professional engineers if they pass exams and document eight years of supervised experience; some members said the change lowers educational standards.
Lawmakers advanced House Bill 2130, which would create a path for graduates of ABET‑accredited engineering‑technology programs to pursue professional engineer licensure, subject to passing standard licensing exams and documenting eight years of progressive experience under licensed supervision.
Representative Hicks, the sponsor, said the measure ‘‘creates a clear, rigorous path’’ for those qualified by education and experience. He emphasized that candidates still must pass the same fundamentals and principles & practice exams used for other engineering applicants. "This bill creates a clear, rigorous path for those graduates who become licensed professional engineers, but only if they meet strict requirements," Hicks said.
Representative Vaughn, who holds a professional engineering license, said he would vote no, arguing the change risks lowering educational standards despite the testing and experience requirements. The sponsor and other members said the bill seeks workforce development by acknowledging hands‑on experience.
The subcommittee recorded a vote of 5 ayes, 3 nays and 1 present‑not‑voting and sent HB2130 to the full committee.
Next steps: HB2130 will go to the full committee; members may continue debating the balance between academic requirements and experience-based pathways.
