Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the public health, safety, and welfare implications of licensure of design professionals.
Summary
This concurrent resolution expresses the sense of Congress regarding the importance of state licensure for design professionals, including architects, engineers, surveyors, and mappers. It acknowledges the historical precedent of state licensure in these fields and emphasizes the role of licensed professionals in ensuring public health, safety, and welfare. The resolution aims to counter the trend of reducing or eliminating licensure requirements for certain occupations, arguing that design professions require continued oversight due to their impact on the built and natural environment.
Expected Effects
The resolution, if adopted, would signal Congressional support for maintaining state-level licensure requirements for design professionals. This could influence state legislatures to resist deregulation efforts in these fields. It may also reinforce the importance of professional licensing in federal projects and regulations.
Potential Benefits
- Public Safety: Reinforces the role of qualified, licensed professionals in ensuring safe design and construction.
- Infrastructure Integrity: Supports the integrity of the nation's infrastructure by promoting qualified oversight.
- Environmental Protection: Encourages responsible planning and development through licensed professionals.
- Economic Prosperity: Contributes to long-term economic stability by ensuring safe and reliable infrastructure.
- National Security: Supports the assessment, location, and development of critical materials.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Overregulation: May discourage states from exploring alternative regulatory approaches that could foster competition and innovation.
- Increased Costs: Licensure requirements can increase costs for consumers and businesses due to compliance and administrative burdens.
- Market Entry Barriers: May create barriers to entry for qualified individuals who may not meet specific licensure requirements.
- Limited Flexibility: Could limit the ability of states to adapt licensing requirements to changing industry needs and technological advancements.
- Potential for Stifled Innovation: Over-reliance on licensure may discourage innovation by limiting the pool of potential practitioners.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the Constitution's emphasis on promoting the general welfare (Preamble). While the regulation of professions primarily falls under the purview of the states, as per the Tenth Amendment, Congress can express its opinion on matters affecting interstate commerce and national interests. The resolution does not mandate any specific action by the states but rather expresses a preference.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).