Geologist regulations updated

A bill intended to modernize the licensing and regulation of professional geologists working in Nebraska received final approval from lawmakers Feb. 21.

LB38, introduced by North Platte Sen. Mike Jacobson, updates administrative practices and terms in the Geologists Regulation Act.

Among other changes, the bill:
• reduces the minimum number of years of geologic work experience required for licensure from five to four;
• allows individuals who practice any combination of certain geology-related activities for at least 15 years to apply for licensure; and
• requires that one member of the state Board of Geologists is a professional geologist who also is a faculty member of a geology or related geosciences department of a Nebraska college or university.

LB38 passed on a vote of 48-0.