SB0749 Summary

• Extends the sunset date for the Professional Geologist Licensing Act from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2026, allowing continued regulation of professional geologists in Illinois.

• Increases maximum civil penalties and disciplinary fines from $5,000 to $10,000 per violation for unlicensed practice and licensee disciplinary actions.

• Changes references from "Director" to "Secretary" of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation throughout the Act to reflect departmental restructuring.

• Adds new confidentiality provisions (Section 180) protecting investigation and complaint information collected by the Department, while making formal complaints and disciplinary orders public records.

• Modifies disciplinary procedures and definitions, including clarifying that "malpractice" alone (not just "gross malpractice") can be grounds for discipline, and establishing an intern process allowing geology graduates to take licensing exams before formal application.