Bill > HB1289

This bill amends Virginia law to include geology within the definition of "professional services" under the Virginia Public Procurement Act, meaning that geological services will now be subject to the same procurement rules as other professional services like accounting and engineering. It also removes the option for the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists to waive the examination requirement for licensure as a professional geologist for applicants with 12 years of experience, instead requiring them to meet comparable requirements from other states. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Board establish regulations requiring licensed geologists to complete eight hours of continuing education annually for license renewal or reinstatement, with specific guidelines on what constitutes acceptable continuing education content and how credit is calculated, though it allows for carry-over of excess hours and exemptions for illness or hardship.