(225 ILCS 340/6) (from Ch. 111, par. 6606)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030)

Sec. 6. Powers and duties of the Department. The Department shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, exercise the following functions, powers, and duties:

(1) Authorize examinations to ascertain the fitness and qualifications of applicants for licensure and pass upon the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure by endorsement.

(2) Adopt rules required for the administration of this Act.

(3) Adopt rules to establish what constitutes an approved structural engineering or related science curriculum and to terminate the Department's approval of any curriculum as a structural engineering or related science curriculum for non-compliance with such rules.

(3.5) Adopt rules for approved experience.

(4) Conduct hearings on proceedings to refuse to issue or renew licenses or to revoke, suspend, place on probation, or reprimand persons or entities licensed or registered under this Act.

(5) Issue licenses to those who meet the requirements of this Act.

(6) Maintain membership in a national organization that provides an acceptable structural engineering examination and participate in activities of the organization by designation of individuals for the various classifications of membership and the appointment of delegates for attendance at regional and national meetings of the organization. All costs associated with membership and attendance of such delegates to any national meetings may be funded from the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund.

(7) Review such applicant qualifications to sit for the examination or for licensure that the Board designates pursuant to Section 8 of this Act.

(8) Conduct investigations related to possible violations of this Act.

(9) Post on the Department's website a newsletter describing the most recent changes in this Act and the rules adopted under this Act and containing information of any final disciplinary action that has been ordered under this Act since the date of the last newsletter.

Upon the issuance of any final decision or order that deviates from any report or recommendation of the Board relating to the qualification of applicants, discipline of licensees or registrants, or adoption of rules, the Secretary may notify the Board on any such deviation and may specify with particularity the reasons for such action in the final decision or order. The Department may, at any time, seek the expert advice and knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the enforcement of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-312, eff. 8-9-19.)