Landscape architect changes clear first round

Lawmakers advanced a bill from general file April 23 that would make several changes to laws governing professional landscape architects in Nebraska.

LB696, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Jane Raybould, would amend the Professional Landscape Architects Act in a number of ways. Raybould said the bill would align licensing requirements for landscape architects with a new national standard adopted in 2022.

Among other provisions, the bill would:
• define “direct supervision” under the act;
• expand language regarding who is qualified to take an examination;
• allow the State Board of Landscape Architects to charge a fee for production of its roster of professional landscape architects;
• add the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects as a recognized accreditation authority with respect to landscape architecture degree programs;
• eliminate a requirement that applicants for licensure submit a record from the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Society; and
• remove a provision allowing for reciprocal licensure for applicants who have practiced in another jurisdiction for 15 years or more.

Following the 34-0 adoption of a technical amendment from the Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, lawmakers advanced LB696 to select file 35-0.