HB2028 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code § 17-30-101 to revise definitions of "consulting engineer," "engineer-intern," "firm," "practice of engineering," "professional engineer," and "responsible charge" for consistency and clarity throughout engineering licensure laws.

• Modifies § 17-30-203 to require the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors to meet "at least" (rather than "not less than") two times per year and clarifies board-authorized design seal requirements for plans and specifications.

• Updates § 17-30-307 to establish continuing education requirements for professional engineers and engineer-interns, with rules allowing exemptions for engineers age 65+ with 25+ years of experience and hardship cases.

• Revises disciplinary provisions in §§ 17-30-305 and 17-30-306 to clarify grounds for suspension or revocation, extend hearing timelines from 6 to 12 months, and increase civil penalty caps to $5,000 per offense.

• Standardizes references to "professional engineer as defined in § 17-30-101" throughout multiple Arkansas Code sections (chapters 8, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 23, and 27) for consistency in various professional licensing and public works contexts.