Land surveyor regulations updated

Laws governing the work of professional land surveyors in Nebraska were updated by a bill passed Feb. 29.

LB102, sponsored by Bayard Sen. Steve Erdman, revises the Nebraska Plane Coordinate System Act, Land Surveyors Regulation Act and related state laws that govern the land surveying profession in Nebraska.

Among other provisions, the bill provides new authority for professional land surveyors and their assistants and trainees to enter public and private lands and waterways to conduct land surveys and to place survey monuments. Vehicles used for this purpose must be clearly marked with identifying information and surveyors are liable for any property or crop damage resulting from their work.

The bill defines the scope of practice and licensure processes for land surveyors who offer their services through an organization and sets out a professional disciplinary process for the examining board to follow in enforcing the Land Surveyors Regulation Act.

LB102 also protects private landowners by shielding them from liability for damages to surveyors incurred during their survey work, unless such damages are the result of an intentional tort.

Senators passed the bill on a 44-0 vote.