2007 House Bill 4937

Increase criminal penalties for unlicensed architects

Introduced in the House

June 19, 2007

Introduced by Rep. Michael Sak (D-76)

To impose fines of between $5,000 to $25,000, and one year in prison for a first offense by an architect, surveyor or engineer who is convicted of practicing without a license, two years for a second offense, and four years for subsequent offenses. The bill would also allow customers of an unlicensed practitioner to sue for a refund. These penalties would not apply to designers of detached single-family residences or duplexes.

Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform

Sept. 11, 2007

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Oct. 11, 2007

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Michael Sak (D-76)

To only extend the four-year prison penalty on an unlicensed person whose actions "cause" death or serious injury.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 89 to 19 (details)

To impose fines of between $5,000 to $25,000, and one year in prison for a first offense by an architect, surveyor or engineer who is convicted of practicing without a license, two years for a subsequent offense, and four years for an offense that "causes" a serious death or injury. The bill would also allow customers of an unlicensed practitioner to sue for a refund. These penalties would not apply to designers of detached single-family residences or duplexes.

Received in the Senate

Oct. 16, 2007

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Regulatory Reform