Senators advanced a bill from general file Jan. 29 that would establish stronger licensure requirements for geologists practicing in the state.<\/p>\n
Malcolm Sen. Ken Haar introduced LB91, saying that an increased presence of geologists in the state warrants the changes to current licensure requirements.<\/p>\n
\u201cNebraska has one of the largest uranium mines in the United States,\u201d he said. \u201cAs oil and fracking become more common in Nebraska, there will be a greater need for geologists.\u201d<\/p>\n
Under the bill, the Nebraska Board of Geologists could:
\n\u2022 deny a license to any applicant deemed to have an issue of moral turpitude, a felony conviction, or suspension or revocation of an existing license;
\n\u2022 grant licensure to any out of state geologist with at least 15 years of relevant experience under a reciprocity agreement;
\n\u2022 require continuing education of all license-holders; and
\n\u2022 admit members to the board from any Nebraska college or university.<\/p>\n
Columbus Sen. Paul Schumacher questioned the fairness of the reciprocity provision, saying the 15-year requirement is arbitrary.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeologists with 15 years of experience may actually be at a disadvantage,\u201d he said. \u201cThey may have even less education on current technology than someone coming right out of college.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haar said he included the reciprocity provision because other states have different standards and testing methods for licensure that are not required in Nebraska.<\/p>\n
The bill was advanced to select file on a 41-2 vote.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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