Under provisions of the Occupational Code, a person is prohibited from engaging in or attempting to engage in the practice of a regulated occupation without being licensed or registered in that occupation. A violation of the former provision is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment for not more than 90 days.  A violation of the latter provision is also a misdemeanor but the punishment is higher:  up to $1,000 in fines and/or a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year.

House Bill 4937 would create a higher penalty for engaging in the profession of architect, professional engineer, or professional land surveyor without a license and House Bill 4938 would place the new felony provisions within the corresponding section of the sentencing guidelines.

Under the introduced bills, a person who engaged in the profession of architect, professional engineer, or professional land surveyor without a license for that occupation would be guilty of a crime as follows:

1st offense – misdemeanor; fine of not less than $5,000 or more than $25,000, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

2nd offense – felony:  fine of not less $5,000 more than $25,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

3rd or subsequent offense – felony; fine of not less than $5,000 or more than $25,000, imprisonment for not more than four years, or both.

If passed, this legislation would give prosecutors the incentive to actively pursue offenders and protect the safety of the public. These bills have passed the House (with some amendments) and are now in the Senate Economic Development and Regulatory Reform Committee.

ACEC/Michigan strongly supports these bills and continues to work with the state legislature in Lansing to make it possible for the engineering community to do great work and run profitable businesses.

The Consulting Engineer’s Political Action Committee (CEPAC) pledges their time and raises money to elect and support the the legislators that support the engineering community.  Please click here for the CEPAC contributor form and join the effort for an improved working environment.

 A STRONG VOICE IN LANSING HELPS ALL OF OUR BUSINESSES SUCCEED.

For more information Contact: Cindy Schmitz