Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the public health, safety, and welfare implications of licensure of design professionals.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 47
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-04: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T08:05:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 47) expresses the "sense of Congress" – a non-binding statement of opinion – on the importance of state licensing for design professionals. It highlights how such licensing protects public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring qualified individuals handle critical infrastructure and environmental projects.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Historical Context: Recognizes that states have long licensed design professions, starting with surveying in California (1891), architecture in Illinois (1897), and engineering in Wyoming (1907). All 50 states, territories, and possessions currently require licensing for these fields.
- Supporting Evidence: Cites federal reports, such as a 1983 House committee report on structural failures in public facilities recommending licensed professionals for public construction, and a 2018 National Transportation Safety Board report on a gas pipeline incident emphasizing licensing's role in safety.
- Concerns with Deregulation: Notes that some states are easing or eliminating licensing for various occupations due to worries about competition and overregulation, but argues this often overlooks the unique public safety benefits in design fields.
- Sense of Congress Statement:
- Design professions (e.g., architecture, engineering, surveying, mapping) are vital for planning, building, and maintaining infrastructure, real property, and natural resources, supporting economic prosperity, national security, and environmental protection.
- States should continue licensing these professions to best serve public health, safety, and welfare.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
None. As a concurrent resolution, it does not amend laws, create new regulations, or have legal force. It simply conveys Congress's view and may influence future policy discussions without altering current statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Could encourage federal agencies (e.g., those involved in infrastructure like the Department of Transportation) to prioritize licensed professionals in projects, reinforcing safety standards without mandating changes.
- On Citizens: Promotes safer built environments by supporting licensing, potentially reducing risks from unqualified design work in construction, energy systems, and resource development, benefiting public safety and economic stability.
- On International Relations: Minimal to none, as it focuses on domestic state licensing and U.S. infrastructure.
- Broader Effects: May slow or counter state-level deregulation trends in design fields, indirectly affecting housing, transportation, and environmental projects by upholding professional standards.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Design Professionals: Architects, engineers, surveyors, and mappers who rely on licensing for credibility and practice rights.
- State Governments and Licensing Boards: Responsible for regulating these occupations; the resolution urges them to maintain requirements.
- Construction and Infrastructure Industries: Firms and developers who must hire licensed experts for projects.
- General Public: Citizens who benefit from safer structures, utilities, and natural resource management.
- Federal Oversight Bodies: Entities like the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigate incidents tied to professional standards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the traditional state authority over professional licensing (a power not delegated to the federal government), without federal overreach.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the 10th Amendment by respecting states' rights to regulate occupations, while using Congress's platform to advocate for public welfare without binding mandates.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Rep. Joyce of Pennsylvania) for protecting key professions amid broader deregulation debates, potentially influencing state legislatures or future federal funding tied to safety standards. It avoids controversy by focusing on consensus views from historical reports rather than new mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-04: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-09-04: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-04: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the public health, safety, and welfare implications of licensure of design professionals. — issued 2025-09-04 — PDF (3 pages)