In one of the most closely watched state-level challenges this year, the Nevada Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE-NV)—working in close coordination with NSPE, NCEES, and allied design and licensing organizations—mounted a unified defense to preserve the independence of Nevada’s engineering and other professional licensing boards. The effort was a direct response to a broader initiative by Governor Joe Lombardo to “streamline” state government and reduce bureaucracy—an objective shared by many, though the proposals targeting licensing boards were widely viewed as a misguided application of that goal.

The Nevada Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (PELS), in particular, stood out not as an example of government inefficiency, but as a model of effective, lean oversight. With just nine volunteer board members and six full-time staff, the board regulates more than 10,000 professional engineers and over 600 land surveyors—yet fewer than 0.1% of licensees are ever the subject of complaints requiring investigation. Nevertheless, PELS was targeted for consolidation under proposals that threatened to dilute its effectiveness and undermine the very standards it upholds.

Together, the coalition successfully pushed back against a series of proposals aimed at centralizing oversight and restructuring board governance.

The 2025 session opened with SB 78, a sweeping proposal to consolidate multiple professional licensing boards—including the PELS—under a new entity overseen by the Department of Business and Industry (B&I). NSPE-NV was among the first of the licensed professional organizations to respond. President Martin Jensen, P.E., submitted a formal letter to the Senate Revenue and Economic Development Committee, speaking on behalf of NSPE-NV and licensed professional engineers across Nevada to underscore the importance of board independence. David James, Ph.D., P.E., F.NSPE, provided in-depth testimony, led strategic briefings, and helped educate both NSPE-NV and PELS members on the legislation’s implications. Past President Craig Sisco, P.E., F.NSPE, was integral in establishing and maintaining coordination between the organizations and supported multiple grassroots initiatives, including formal member outreach and direct engagement with legislators.

At the national level, NSPE staff worked in close coordination with NSPE-NV, supporting every phase of the effort—from message development and legislative tracking to alliance-building and rapid response. NSPE engaged its Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL) partners and members of PELS weekly to align strategy, backed up grassroots efforts on the ground, and helped launch targeted member alerts as well as earned media pushes to raise awareness about the threat to board autonomy. This full-court press ensured that lawmakers heard from engineers and other licensed professionals at every level—constituents, experts, and national advocates working in sync.

SB 78 was amended in response to these efforts, with its most extreme provisions—board consolidation and membership reductions—ultimately stripped. But the measure remained troubling, particularly for how it shifted oversight and reporting lines from independent boards to centralized state control. Though it eventually stalled, a series of follow-on proposals quickly emerged, each carrying its own implications for board autonomy:

• SB 425 proposed transferring behavioral health boards to a centralized office in the Department of Health and Human Services. Though not directly targeting engineers, it raised concerns about creating a model for further restructuring. NSPE and its allies supported an amendment to preserve board independence through voluntary shared services. Patty Mamola, P.E.— a leading NSPE advocate, former PELS executive director, and current deputy chair of the International Engineering Alliance—testified in support.
• SB 507 introduced a licensee-based administrative fee structure to fund additional B&I staffing. With more than 16,000 active licensees, the engineering board would have borne a disproportionate share of the cost. NSPE-NV raised the alarm about long-term budget erosion and reduced financial autonomy. Patty Mamola and David James both submitted opposition to the bill, with James personally contacting key legislators.
• AB 601, introduced late in session as a “softer” alternative to SB 78, still contained troubling language on centralized services and executive director removal. Though its sponsor was generally supportive of the profession, the bill missed procedural deadlines and never received a hearing.

As the session came to a close in early June, none of the four bills had advanced. SB 78 remained stalled, AB 601 never moved, SB 425 was amended and neutralized, and SB 507 officially died. The outcome was decisive: Nevada’s licensing board autonomy remains intact.

This outcome was the result of months of determined advocacy, sharp coordination with PELS, and a united front of engineers, architects, and other licensed professionals—including accountants. NSPE-NV members led the debate and showed what it means to defend the profession with clarity, credibility, and purpose.

While B&I is expected to renew its push in 2027, NSPE-NV is already preparing. The 2025 session demonstrated what’s possible when engineers lead the conversation—bringing technical insight and public focus that cannot be ignored.

To learn more about how NSPE-NV is protecting the profession and shaping policy in Nevada, visit www.nspe-nv.org.