Modifying provisions relating to the licensure of professional landscape architects. Effective 7-1-19

The bill removes language providing that the board shall conduct examinations for licensure after providing public notice. The bill also removes language providing that the board shall conduct examinations for licensure at least once a year. The bill provides that the board may adopt the uniform standardized examination and grading procedures of a national certification body recognized by the board. The bill provides that the examination may be conducted by representatives of the board. The bill provides that the identity of persons taking the examination shall be concealed until after examinations are graded. Current law provides than an applicant for licensure shall not be ineligible for licensure because of age, citizenship, sex, race, religion, marital status, or national origin. The bill broadens this prohibition by providing that an applicant shall not be ineligible for licensure on the basis of membership in any protected class under Code chapter 216, the Iowa civil rights Act. The bill allows an applicant for licensure holding a license or certificate to practice landscape architecture issued upon examination by a national certification body recognized by the board as prescribed by rule, in addition to examination by another state or foreign country, to be licensed in Iowa without further examination under certain circumstances. The bill removes language providing that a certificate of licensure shall be signed by the officers of the board. The bill also removes language providing that the seal of a professional landscape architect shall be approved by the board.16, which establishes a procedure for complaints against professional landscape architects. The bill removes language requiring a complaint against a professional landscape architect by a person other than the board to be sworn to and in writing.