An Act To Amend Procedures for the Licensing of Architects and Foresters
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, current law does not allow applicants for licensure as architects in Maine to apply for a license before completing 3 years of practical experience; and
Whereas, most other states have less stringent licensure requirements for architects; and
Whereas, current law discourages potential applicants for licensure as architects from becoming licensed in Maine; and
Whereas, Maine is currently losing well-qualified candidates for licensure to states with less stringent licensure requirements and this issue should be addressed as soon as possible; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Sec. 1. 32 MRSA §220, sub-§1, ¶B, as amended by PL 2007, c. 402, Pt. F, §11, is further amended to read:
(1) To Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, to be qualified for admission to the examination a license to practice architecture in this State an applicant must submit evidence to the board that the applicant has passed an examination administered by a national council of architectural registration boards or an equivalent examination specified by board rule and:
(a) The applicant has completed a course of study in a school or college of architecture approved by the board, with graduation evidenced by a diploma setting forth a satisfactory degree, and 3 years of practical experience under the supervision of an experienced architect or architects engaged in the practice of architecture as a profession as prescribed by the board by rule; or
(b) The applicant has training or practical experience, or a combination of both, that in the opinion of the board is fully equivalent to that required in division (a).
(2) An applicant for licensure as an architect in this State who has a current and valid license from another jurisdiction and a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards or its successor a national council of architectural registration boards or other organization approved by the board may offer to render architectural services in this State prior to licensure by the board if the applicant first notifies the board in writing that the applicant will be present in this State to offer to render architectural services. The applicant may not render architectural services until duly licensed by the board.
Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §5515, sub-§6, as amended by PL 2013, c. 527, §5 and affected by §9, is further amended to read:
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.