SB 305 LICENSING OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Upon convening the meeting, Co-chairman Steve Frank directed that SB 305 be brought on for discussion and noted teleconference links to Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Homer. Senator Kerttula advised that he did not wish to offer Amendment No. 1 and asked that it be withdrawn. No objection having been raised, IT WAS SO ORDERED. SENATOR LITTLE, sponsor of the legislation, came before committee. She referenced a draft CSSB 305 (8-LS1617\O, Lauterbach, 4/7/94) and explained that landscape architecture is the profession that provides designs for outdoor spaces. Practitioners must be familiar with building codes, local ordinances, and health and safety regulations. They are accredited and must complete a four to five-year educational process. Presently, anyone in Alaska can call himself or herself a landscape architect without any training and can compete with a professional. The proposed legislation represents an Alaska hire bill. Many contracts require "stamped" professional landscape architects for outdoor work. Because Alaska has no license requirements, residents who are knowledgeable about Arctic conditions, local plant materials, etc., are eliminated from ability to perform these types of tasks. The proposed bill will allow knowledgeable residents to compete on those contracts. Landscape architects are licensed in 44 other states. Lack of a license procedure in Alaska results in this work being performed by out-of-state landscape architects rather than local residents. While the legislation originally requested additional members for the board, the present version retains the board "at the same size and adds an additional non-voting landscape architect on the board for one year to advise the board on establishing regulations for the licensing." The non-voting member is not reimbursed for per diem or travel. Licensing will involve one test per year rather than the standard two. Senator Little next described the differences between the "O" version work draft and CSSB 305 (L&C). She referenced page 9, lines 20 - 24, and explained that subsection (c) was added to ensure that landscape architects do not perform architectural, engineering, or land survey work. Definitions commence at page 12, line 17. Senator Little noted addition of "incidental and necessary" to the definition of the "practice of landscape architecture." She told members that language at page 12 provides a clear delineation of "what landscape architects would be able to do under the licensure." Language at page 13, line 31, clarifies when the first test will be given and further defines how long a person may practice landscape architecture without a license until the initial test. Senator Kerttula asked if the legislation contains grandfather provisions. Senator Little responded negatively, but advised that the bill provides that persons who are licensed in other states would continue to be licensed in Alaska. Those who are not licensed anywhere would need to take the national exam. Discussion followed regarding grandfathering based on past performance of work in a given field, regardless of educational background. Senator Little explained that those seeking to become landscape architects would pay an examination fee and an annual registration fee when approved by the board for licensure. Senator Kerttula expressed concern that regulations might prevent those who have actively engaged in the profession up to this time from practicing in the future. Senator Little spoke to clear delineation between landscape construction and landscape architecture, advising that the difference is the same as a construction contractor and an architect. Those involved in landscape construction will not be impacted by the proposed bill. Senator Little described the situation in California where those who do not have licenses are designated landscape designers while licensed individuals are landscape architects. Co-chair Frank voiced his understanding that the proposed bill would not prohibit an individual's ability to continue to practice in the field. It merely restricts what "that person may call themselves." Senator Sharp referenced discussion in Senate Labor and Commerce to the effect that many bids call for landscape architects. Those individuals must be professionally qualified, and that has necessitated use of out-of-state persons. Senator Little concurred. She advised that federal contracts require licensed professionals. Projects often end up employing professionals from out of state who know nothing about permafrost, Arctic plant materials, etc. The public will be better served by utilizing knowledgeable locals to perform this work. In her concluding comments, Senator Little noted that all costs of the legislation will be borne by practitioners. There will be no cost to the state. The April 6, 1994, fiscal note from the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development, accurately reflects the proposed work draft. TELECONFERENCE ROY HOYT, JR., spoke via teleconference from Homer, Alaska. He inquired concerning the number of landscape architects presently in Alaska. Senator Little responded, "There are approximately 50 who are members of the American Society of Landscape Architects." She noted it is costly to belong to the society and voiced her expectation that additional professionals, who are not members, also reside within the state. LINDA CRYA-KOORSGARD, Landscape Architect, spoke via teleconference from Anchorage and offered to answer questions concerning the bill. No questions were raised. Senator Kelly attested to support for the bill by the Alaska Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Co-chair Frank queried members regarding disposition of the bill. Senator Kelly MOVED for adoption of CSSB 305 (Fin) ("O" version). No objection having been raised, CSSB 305 (Fin) was ADOPTED. Co-chair Frank next MOVED that CSSB 305 (Fin) pass from committee with individual recommendations. No objection having been raised, CSSB 305 (Fin) was REPORTED OUT of committee with a fiscal note from the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development showing revenues of $17.3 and costs of $9.3. All members present signed the committee report "no rec." (Senator Jacko was not in attendance and did not sign.)