Most state legislatures have kicked off their sessions for the year, and those that haven’t are quickly gearing up. The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is actively collaborating with state societies and other aligned organizations to stay ahead of key legislative trends, push for policies that advance the engineering profession, and ensure that the voice of professional engineers is heard loud and clear in every state legislature.

While this article highlights licensing reform and Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS), these are just a few of the numerous legislative initiatives that NSPE is actively monitoring and engaging with. With the 2025 legislative session well underway, bills related to infrastructure, professional development, Good Samaritan laws, and emerging technologies remain in play. 

This year, several critical trends in professional licensing have emerged at the state level. One of the most notable is the push to streamline licensing processes by reducing perceived administrative burdens and making licensure more accessible. While these efforts aim to increase efficiency and economic benefit, the potential impact on public safety and professional standards cannot be overlooked. At the same time, there’s been increased attention on licensing board and agency reviews, which often result in the consolidation of regulatory oversight. This raises concerns about the possible reduction in autonomy and its effect on the oversight and accountability that ensure public protection. Legislative efforts around QBS are trending in two directions—some aim to expand its application, while others seek to roll it back or create exceptions in favor of cost-based procurement. These changes could impact the integrity of the selection process and, in some cases, compromise the quality and safety of engineering projects.

Nevada’s Senate Bill 78: A Closer Look at Licensing Reform and Its Impact on Engineering

As the push for licensing reform gains momentum across the nation, Nevada’s Senate Bill (SB) 78 stands out as a significant proposal that could reshape the landscape of professional licensing in the state. The bill seeks to consolidate regulatory bodies and shift oversight responsibilities, raising important questions about the future structure and autonomy of licensing boards, especially within the engineering profession.

SB 78 includes a provision to merge four distinct design boards—the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, the Board of Architecture, Interior Design, and Residential Design, the Board of Environmental Health Specialists, and the Board of Landscape Architecture—into a single entity. This new board, the Nevada Board of Professional Design and Environmental Specialists, would be drastically smaller, reducing membership from 28 to just 13.

While the bill also seeks to address perceived conflicts of interest by lowering the number of professional board members, this reduction could undercut the specialized oversight required to effectively regulate complex industries like engineering and architecture. With public safety directly tied to technical work and standards, such changes may risk weakening the regulatory framework that ensures the safety and well-being of Nevada residents.

The Nevada Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE-NV), alongside NSPE, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), and other organizations, has been actively engaging with lawmakers to voice concerns about SB 78. In a recent letter to the Senate Revenue and Economic Development Committee, NSPE-NV President Martin Jensen, P.E., emphasized the importance of maintaining robust oversight to protect public safety while addressing the goals of efficiency.

At NSPE-NV’s January luncheon, Dr. David James, Ph.D., P.E., delivered a compelling presentation on the potential impacts of SB 78. He encouraged attendees not only to write to their legislators but also to carefully review the bill and engage with lawmakers to advocate against the proposed changes. During the presentation, Dr. James highlighted that the current board structure for engineers and surveyors is highly cost-efficient, with just six paid staff and nine volunteer board members overseeing the regulation of more than 10,000 licensed engineers and 650 licensed land surveyors.

Additionally, NSPE-NV launched a coordinated grassroots campaign to encourage members to reach out to their state senators in opposition to SB 78. Alongside these efforts, other organizations representing licensed professionals also engaged with lawmakers and the public, including joint grassroots initiatives and op-eds published in local papers opposing SB 78.

As discussions continue, amendments to the bill are rumored to be in the works, with early indications that engineers may have been removed from the list of consolidated licensing boards. If confirmed, this would mark a significant victory for NSPE-NV and its advocacy efforts. While the final outcome remains uncertain, NSPE-NV remains committed to advocating for reforms that effectively protect both the public and the quality of professional work.

Utah House Bill 160: When Licensing Reform Threatens Professional Oversight

Utah’s House Bill (HB) 160 has raised alarms within the engineering community, as it proposes changes to the licensure requirements for engineers, land surveyors, architects, and other professions. The bill stands to shift decision-making authority from professional boards to the division, particularly in setting educational criteria for engineering and surveying applicants. This change threatens to limit the expertise that boards—composed of professionals with firsthand industry knowledge—bring to the table, potentially compromising the integrity of the licensure process.

Upon learning of the bill, the Utah Society of Professional Engineers (USPE) took immediate action, leading to the initial removal of engineers from the legislation. However, engineers were later re-included as discussions progressed.

HB 160 passed both chambers of the Utah Legislature and was sent to Governor Spencer Cox before the legislative session adjourned on March 7. Under Utah law, the governor has 20 days (excluding Sundays) to sign or veto bills passed in the final days of the session. If no action is taken within that window, the bill automatically becomes law without his signature. 

Despite the setbacks, USPE and NSPE continue to advocate for measures that safeguard the profession’s integrity, ensuring that licensing processes remain flexible, responsive, and focused on public safety. With HB 160 now awaiting the governor’s decision, professional engineers are encouraged to stay informed and engaged, as the final outcome could have lasting implications for licensing oversight in Utah.

State-Level Shifts in QBS: Key Developments from Michigan to Mississippi

As state legislatures move forward in 2025, several bills related to Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) are under discussion. QBS is a process in which design professionals, such as engineers and architects, are selected based on their qualifications, experience, and ability to meet project requirements, rather than on cost. This approach is primarily used for public sector projects, including infrastructure, transportation, environmental, and large-scale public works. In fact, many states, following the example of the federal government through the Brooks Act of 1972, require QBS for these types of projects to ensure that the most qualified professionals are selected, especially for complex, safety-critical work. QBS focuses on technical expertise and long-term outcomes, putting public safety and project integrity first.

Several states are now looking to expand or modify their use of QBS, with Michigan’s HB 5654 being one such example. The bill seeks to extend QBS to other state agencies involved in federal projects over $250,000. While it has passed the House, it faces challenges in the Senate, and Governor Whitmer’s previous veto complicates its future.

In contrast to efforts expanding QBS, some states are introducing bills that modify or limit its application. In North Dakota, SB 2130, which has passed the legislature and is now on the governor’s desk, retains QBS for larger projects but permits cost-based selection for smaller projects under $250,000. Meanwhile, HB 1028, which failed to pass in the state house, mandated a 20% minimum weighting for cost in the selection process, while not applying similar weight to other critical factors, potentially undermining the focus on qualifications, particularly for safety-critical projects.

Meanwhile, Mississippi’s SB 2377, which recently died in committee, would have expanded the Public Procurement Review Board’s authority over state and emergency contracts, and allowed emergency contracts to bypass competitive bidding. 

In Georgia, HB 152 is a key part of the push for QBS in local government projects. While the bill has garnered support, it also faces opposition due to concerns about the potential administrative burden on smaller counties and the flexibility of procurement methods. The Georgia Society of Professional Engineers (GSPE), in collaboration with ACEC-GA, has joined forces to write a letter in support of the bill, highlighting its importance for improving the quality and integrity of local projects. GSPE and NSPE are closely monitoring HB 152 and working with local stakeholders to ensure that the full benefits of QBS are considered in the final outcome.

As these bills progress, NSPE and its state society partners continue to monitor developments and engage with key stakeholders to ensure QBS remains intact in procurement practices.

Looking Ahead: NSPE's Focus on Key Legislative Trends in 2025

As the legislative year unfolds, NSPE is closely monitoring key issues—licensing reforms, QBS, infrastructure, emerging technologies, and more. The role of members in these efforts is indispensable. Your ongoing engagement ensures that professional engineers’ voices are not only heard but are a driving force in shaping policies that protect public safety and uphold the integrity of the profession. Members who want to play a more active role in the political process are encouraged to reach out to their state societies and NSPE to explore ways they can get involved and help drive meaningful change.