The ACEC-endorsed increased penalties bill (Senate Bill 1515) was approved late Thursday by the full House and is headed to Gov. Granholm to be signed into law.

The day began with ACEC Executive Director Ronald Brenke, PE, testifying in support of the measure before the House Regulatory Reform Committee, where a unanimous vote sent the bill to the full House before noon.

Despite doubts about getting the bill on the fast track and included in Thursday’s busy House agenda, Melissa Yutzey of Kelley Cawthorne worked with House leadership to get SB 1515 on the agenda last night, before House lawmakers left for two weeks.

Late last night, about 11 p.m., the bill was approved with a 65-35 vote.

On Nov. 5, SB 1515 was unanimously (38-0) approved by the Michigan Senate.

SB 1515 would significantly increase the penalties for unlicensed practice of engineering or architecture and help to protect the life, health and safety of the public.

Gov. Granholm is expected to sign the bill into law before the end of this year’s session.

For more information Contact: Ron Brenke