MS SB2706

Consolidates the separate licensing framework for land surveyors into the existing Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers, creating a unified Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Surveyors with 6 licensed professional engineers and 3 licensed professional surveyors.

Extends board member terms from four years to six years, with staggered initial appointments beginning July 1, 2026, and increases minimum age requirement for board members from 32 to 35 years old.

Increases application fees (from $25 to $75), renewal fees (from $75 to $150 biennial for engineers, $60 to $150 biennial for surveyors), and certificate of authority fees (from $75 to $300), while exempting sole proprietorships and professional associations from certificate of authority requirements.

Grants surveyors limited civil immunity and eliminates criminal trespass liability when entering private property to perform surveying duties, provided they make reasonable effort to notify landowners and are liable only for actual damages caused.

Repeals Sections 73-13-71 through 73-13-105, which previously provided separate licensure provisions for land surveyors, and requires four quarterly board meetings annually instead of two.