SB2760eng 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB2760 Engrossed LRB095 19945 RAS 46366 b

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Regulatory Sunset Act is amended by changing Section 4.20 and by adding Section 4.30 as follows:

(5 ILCS 80/4.20)

Sec. 4.20. Acts repealed on January 1, 2010. The following Acts are repealed on January 1, 2010:

The Auction License Act.

The Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989.

The Illinois Landscape Architecture Act of 1989.

The Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989.

The Land Sales Registration Act of 1999.

The Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Practice Act.

The Perfusionist Practice Act.

The Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

The Real Estate License Act of 2000.

The Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

(Source: P.A. 91-91, eff. 7-9-99; 91-92, eff. 7-9-99; 91-132, eff. 7-16-99; 91-133, eff. 7-16-99; 91-245, eff. 12-31-99; 91-255, eff. 12-30-99; 91-338, eff. 12-30-99; 91-580, eff. 1-1-00; 91-590, eff. 1-1-00; 91-603, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

(5 ILCS 80/4.30 new)

Sec. 4.30. Act repealed on January 1, 2020. The following Act is repealed on January 1, 2020:

The Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989.

The Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

Section 10. The Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 is amended by changing Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23.5, 24, 36, and 38 and by adding Sections 4.5, 10.5, and 17.5 as follows:

(225 ILCS 305/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 1303)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 3. Application of Act. Nothing in this Act shall be deemed or construed to prevent the practice of structural engineering as defined in the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989, the practice of professional engineering as defined in the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, or the preparation of documents used to prescribe work to be done inside buildings for non-loadbearing interior construction, furnishings, fixtures and equipment, or the offering or preparation of environmental analysis, feasibility studies, programming or construction management services by persons other than those licensed in accordance with this Act, the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 or the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

Nothing contained in this Act shall prevent the draftsmen, students, project representatives and other employees of those lawfully practicing as licensed architects under the provisions of this Act, from acting under the responsible control direct supervision and control of their employers, or to prevent the employment of project representatives for enlargement or alteration of buildings or any parts thereof, or prevent such project representatives from acting under the direct supervision and control of the licensed architect by whom the construction documents including drawings and specifications of any such building, enlargement or alteration were prepared.

Nothing in this Act or any other Act shall prevent a licensed architect from practicing interior design services. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as requiring the services of an interior designer for the interior designing of a single family residence.

No officer, board, commission, or other public entity charged with the enforcement of codes and ordinances requiring the involvement of an architect shall accept for filing or approval any technical submissions that do not bear the seal and signature of an architect licensed under this Act. A building permit issued with respect to technical submissions that does not conform to the requirements of this Act shall be invalid.

The involvement of a licensed architect is not required for the following:

(A) The building, remodeling or repairing of any building or other structure outside of the corporate limits of any city or village, where such building or structure is to be, or is used for farm purposes, or for the purposes of outbuildings or auxiliary buildings in connection with such farm premises.

(B) The construction, remodeling or repairing of a detached single family residence on a single lot.

(C) The construction, remodeling or repairing of a two-family residence of wood frame construction on a single lot, not more than two stories and basement in height.

(D) Interior design services for buildings which do not involve life safety or structural changes.

However, when an ordinance of a unit of local government requires the involvement of a licensed architect for any buildings included in the preceding paragraphs (A) through (D), the requirements of this Act shall apply. All buildings not included in the preceding paragraphs (A) through (D), including multi-family buildings and buildings previously exempt from the involvement of a licensed architect under those paragraphs but subsequently non-exempt due to a change in occupancy or use, are subject to the requirements of this Act. Interior alterations which result in life safety or structural changes of the building are subject to the requirements of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 92-16, eff. 6-28-01; 93-1009, eff. 1-1-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 1304)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 4. Definitions. In this Act:

"Architect, Retired" means a person who has been duly licensed as an architect by the Department and has chosen to relinquish or not renew his or her license pursuant to Section 17.5 of this Act.

"Architectural intern" means an unlicensed person who has completed the education requirements, is actively participating in the diversified professional training, and maintains in good standing a training record as required for licensure by this Act and may use the title "architectural intern", but may not independently engage in the practice of architecture.

(a) "Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"Design build" and "design build entity" means the project delivery process defined in Title 68, Section 1150.85 of the Illinois Administrative Code.

(b) "Director" means the Director of Professional Regulation.

(c) "Board" means the Illinois Architecture Licensing Board appointed by the Director.

(d) "Public health" as related to the practice of architecture means the state of the well-being of the body or mind of the building user.

(e) "Public safety" as related to the practice of architecture means the state of being reasonably free from risk of danger, damage, or injury.

(f) "Public welfare" as related to the practice of architecture means the well-being of the building user resulting from the state of a physical environment that accommodates human activity.

"Secretary" means the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

(Source: P.A. 93-1009, eff. 1-1-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/4.5 new)

Sec. 4.5. References to Department or Director of Professional Regulation. References in this Act (i) to the Department of Professional Regulation are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and (ii) to the Director of Professional Regulation are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

(225 ILCS 305/5) (from Ch. 111, par. 1305)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 5. Architect defined; Acts constituting practice.

(a) An architect is a person who is qualified by education, training, experience, and examination, and who is licensed under the laws of this State, to practice architecture.

(b) The practice of architecture within the meaning and intent of this Act includes the offering or furnishing of professional services, such as consultation, environmental analysis, feasibility studies, programming, planning, aesthetic and structural design, technical submissions consisting of drawings and specifications and other documents required in the construction process, administration of construction contracts, project representation, and construction management, in connection with the construction of any private or public building, building structure, building project, or addition to or alteration or restoration thereof.

(c) Nothing contained in this Section imposes upon a person licensed under this Act the responsibility for the performance of any of the activities set forth in subsection (b), unless such person specifically contracts to provide the function.

(Source: P.A. 92-360, eff. 1-1-02.)

(225 ILCS 305/6) (from Ch. 111, par. 1306)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 6. Technical submissions. All technical submissions intended for use in construction in the State of Illinois shall be prepared and administered in accordance with standards of reasonable professional skill and diligence. Care shall be taken to reflect the requirements of State statutes and, where applicable, county and municipal building ordinances in such submissions. In recognition that architects are licensed for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, submissions shall be of such quality and scope, and be so administered, as to conform to professional standards.

Technical submissions are the designs, drawings and specifications which establish the scope of the architecture to be constructed, the standard of quality for materials, workmanship, equipment, and construction systems, and the studies and other technical reports and calculations prepared in the course of the practice of architecture.

No person involved in an architectural project requiring the involvement of an architect during the design, construction, addition to, or alteration of a project, or any parts thereof, shall have the authority to deviate from the technical submissions without the prior approval of the licensed architect for the project.

(Source: P.A. 92-360, eff. 1-1-02.)

(225 ILCS 305/8) (from Ch. 111, par. 1308)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 8. Powers and duties of the Department.

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Department shall exercise the following functions, powers, and duties:

(a) conduct examinations to ascertain the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure as licensed architects, and pass upon the qualifications and fitness of applicants for licensure by endorsement;

(b) prescribe rules for a method of examination of candidates;

(c) prescribe rules defining what constitutes a school, college or university, or department of a university, or other institution, reputable and in good standing, to determine whether or not a school, college or university, or department of a university, or other institution is reputable and in good standing by reference to compliance with such rules, and to terminate the approval of such school, college or university or department of a university or other institution that refuses admittance to applicants solely on the basis of race, color, creed, sex or national origin. The Department may adopt, as its own rules relating to education requirements, those guidelines published from time to time by the National Architectural Accrediting Board;

(d) prescribe rules for diversified professional training;

(e) conduct oral interviews, disciplinary conferences and formal evidentiary hearings on proceedings to impose fines or to suspend, revoke, place on probationary status, reprimand, and refuse to issue or restore any license issued under the provisions of this Act for the reasons set forth in Section 22 of this Act;

(f) issue licenses to those who meet the requirements of this Act;

(g) formulate and publish rules necessary or appropriate to carrying out the provisions of this Act; and

(h) maintain membership in the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and participate in activities of the Council by designation of individuals for the various classifications of membership and the appointment of delegates for attendance at regional and national meetings of the Council. All costs associated with membership and attendance of such delegates to any national meetings shall may be funded from the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund.

(i) retain the right to employ or utilize the legal services of outside counsel and the investigative services of outside personnel; however, no attorney employed or used by the Department shall prosecute a matter and provide legal services to the Department or Board with respect to the same matter.

(2) Prior to 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 promulgation of rules, the Director shall notify the Board in writing with an explanation of the deviation and provide a reasonable time for the Board to submit written comments to the Director regarding the proposed action. In the event that the Board fails or declines to submit written comments within 30 days of the notification, the Director may issue a final decision or order consistent with the Director's original decision. 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. 91-133, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

(225 ILCS 305/9) (from Ch. 111, par. 1309)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 9. Creation of the Board. The Director shall appoint an Architecture Licensing Board which will consist of 6 members. Five members shall be licensed architects, one of whom shall be a tenured member of the architectural faculty of an Illinois public university accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board the University of Illinois. The other 4 shall be licensed architects, residing in this State, who have been engaged in the practice of architecture at least 10 years. In addition to the 5 licensed architects, there shall be one public member. The public member shall be a voting member and shall not hold a license as an architect, professional engineer, structural engineer or land surveyor.

Board members shall serve 5 year terms and until their successors are appointed and qualified. In making the designation of persons to the Board, the Director shall give due consideration to recommendations by members and organizations of the profession.

The membership of the Board should reasonably reflect representation from the geographic areas in this State.

No member shall be reappointed to the Board for a term which would cause his or her continuous service on the Board to be longer than 10 successive years. Service prior to the effective date of this Act shall not be considered.

Appointments to fill vacancies shall be made in the same manner as original appointments, for the unexpired portion of the vacated term. Initial terms shall begin upon the effective date of this Act and Board members in office on that date under the predecessor Act may be appointed to specific terms as indicated in this Section.

Persons holding office as members of the Board under the Illinois Architecture Act immediately prior to the effective date of this Act shall continue as members of the Board under this Act until the expiration of the term for which they were appointed and until their successors are appointed and qualified.

A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of Board members currently appointed. A majority vote of the quorum is required for Board decisions.

The Director may remove any member of the Board for misconduct, incompetence, neglect of duty, or for reasons prescribed by law for removal of State officials.

The Director may remove a member of the Board who does not attend 2 consecutive meetings.

Notice of proposed rulemaking shall be transmitted to the Board and the Department shall review the response of the Board and any recommendations made therein. The Department may, at any time, seek the expert advice and knowledge of the Board on any matter relating to the administration or enforcement of this Act.

Members of the Board are immune from suit in any action based upon any disciplinary proceedings or other activities performed in good faith as members of the Board.

(Source: P.A. 91-133, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 305/10) (from Ch. 111, par. 1310)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 10. Powers and duties of the Board.

(a) The Board shall hold at least 3 regular meetings each year.

(b) The Board shall annually elect a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson who shall be licensed architects.

(c) The Board, upon request by the Department, may make a curriculum evaluation to determine if courses conform to the requirements of approved architectural programs.

(d) The Board shall assist the Department in conducting oral interviews, disciplinary conferences and formal evidentiary hearings.

(e) 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.

(f) The Board may appoint a subcommittee to serve as a Complaint Committee to recommend the disposition of case files according to procedures established in Section 10.5 of this Act or by rule.

(g) The Board shall review applicant qualifications to sit for the examination or for licensure and shall make recommendations to the Department. The Department shall review the Board's recommendations on applicant qualifications. The Director shall notify the Board in writing with an explanation of any deviation from the Board's recommendation on applicant qualifications. After review of the Director's written explanation of his or her reasons for deviation, the Board shall have the opportunity to comment upon the Director's decision.

(h) The Board shall submit written comments to the Director within 30 days from notification of any final decision or order from the Director that deviates from any report or recommendation of the Board relating to the qualifications of applicants, discipline of licensees or registrants, unlicensed practice, or promulgation of rules.

(i) The Board may recommend that the Department contract with a corporation or other business entity to provide investigative, legal, prosecutorial, and other services necessary to perform its duties.

(Source: P.A. 91-133, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 305/10.5 new)

Sec. 10.5. Complaint Committee.

(a) There is created the Architecture Complaint Committee of the Board composed of 2 voting members of the Board, a Supervisor over Design Investigations, and a Chief of Prosecutions over Design Prosecutions. The Director of Enforcement shall designate the Supervisor and Chief assigned to the Complaint Committee.

(b) The Complaint Committee shall meet at least once every 2 months to exercise its functions and duties as set forth in subsection (c). Two members of the Board shall be in attendance in order for any business to be transacted by the Complaint Committee. The Complaint Committee shall make every effort to consider expeditiously and take prompt action on each item on its agenda.

(c) The Complaint Committee shall have the following duties and functions:

(1) To review any complaint filed against an involved party under this Act.

(2) To refer the complaint to the Supervisor over Design Investigations for further action.

(3) To recommend to the Board that a complaint file be closed.

(4) To make all other decisions in conjunction with the Supervisor over Design Investigations regarding an action to be taken on a complaint.

(5) To report the actions of the Complaint Committee at each meeting of the Board.

(6) To provide an annual statistical report of all complaints filed, the average length of time to resolve a complaint, the number of complaints resolved or dismissed, the reasons for dismissed complaints, the number of complaints that resulted in disciplinary action, and the number of unresolved complaints. Such report shall be made available to the public.

(d) In determining what action to take or whether to proceed with prosecution of a complaint, the Complaint Committee shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors: the effect on the public's health, safety, and welfare; the sufficiency of the evidence presented; prosecutorial merit; and sufficient cooperation from complaining parties.

(e) No complaint file shall be closed nor complaint dismissed except upon recommendation of the Complaint Committee or approval by the Board.

(f) When a complaint is made to the Department that alleges that a building or other structure that requires the involvement of an architect in its design is under construction, construction is imminent, or construction has been completed and an architect is not or was not involved in its design, the investigation of that complaint shall be expedited to ensure the health and safety of the public. This investigation shall be referred to as an emergency investigation.

An emergency investigation must be given priority attention and assigned to an investigator as soon as possible.

Once assigned to an investigator, the Department, through its investigator, must convene a meeting of the Complaint Committee by teleconference to determine if the complaint shall continue to be treated as an emergency investigation. Such meetings will be deemed an emergency and notice of the meeting shall be provided in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

Upon determination by the Complaint Committee that the complaint should be treated as an emergency investigation, the complaint must be investigated as soon as possible.

Upon completion of the emergency investigation, the investigator must again convene a meeting of the Complaint Committee by teleconference. This meeting shall also be considered an emergency and notice of the meeting shall be provided in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. The Complaint Committee must then decide whether to recommend to the Department that the complaint be referred to the Attorney General to seek a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction against the start or further construction of the project or, where the project has already been completed, to enjoin the use of the building or structure. The Complaint Committee shall recommend that the case be referred to the Attorney General only upon a finding that the facts alleged in the complaint are credible and constitute an imminent danger to the public.

(225 ILCS 305/12) (from Ch. 111, par. 1312)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 12. Examinations; subjects; failure or refusal to take examination. The Department shall authorize examination of applicants as architects at such times and places as it may determine. The examination shall be in English and shall be written or written and graphic. It shall include at a minimum the following subjects:

(a) pre-design (environmental analysis, architectural programming, and application of principles of project management and coordination);

(b) site planning (site analysis, design and development, parking, and application of zoning requirements);

(c) building planning (conceptual planning of functional and space relationships, building design, interior space layout, barrier-free design, and the application of the life safety code requirements and principles of energy efficient design);

(d) building technology (application of structural systems, building components, and mechanical and electrical systems);

(e) general structures (identification, resolution, and incorporation of structural systems and the long span design on the technical aspects of the design of buildings and the process and construction);

(f) lateral forces (identification and resolution of the effects of lateral forces on the technical aspects of the design of buildings and the process of construction);

(g) mechanical and electrical systems (as applied to the design of buildings, including plumbing and acoustical systems);

(h) materials and methods (as related to the design of buildings and the technical aspects of construction); and

(i) construction documents and services (conduct of architectural practice as it relates to construction documents, bidding, and construction administration and contractual documents from beginning to end of a building project).

It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to be familiar with this Act and its rules.

Examination subject matter headings and bases on which examinations are graded shall be indicated in rules pertaining to this Act. The Department may adopt the examinations and grading procedures of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Content of any particular examination shall not be considered public record under the Freedom of Information Act.

An applicant shall have 5 years from passage of the first examination to successfully complete all examinations required by rule of the Department. If an applicant neglects without an approved excuse or refuses to take the next available examination offered for licensure under this Act, the fee paid by the applicant shall be forfeited. If an applicant fails to pass an examination for licensure under this Act within 3 years after filing an application, the application shall be denied. The applicant may, however, make a new application for examination accompanied by the required fee and must furnish proof of meeting the qualifications for examination in effect at the time of the new application.

The Department may by rule prescribe additional subjects for examination.

An applicant has one year from the date of notification of successful completion of all the examination requirements to apply to the Department for a license. If an applicant fails to apply within one year, the applicant shall be required to again take and pass the examination.

(Source: P.A. 91-133, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

(225 ILCS 305/13) (from Ch. 111, par. 1313)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 13. Qualifications of applicants. Any person who is of good moral character may apply take an examination for licensure if he or she is a graduate with a first professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, has completed the examination requirements set forth under Section 12 of this Act, and has completed such diversified professional training, including academic training, as is required by rules of the Department. Until January 1, 2014, in lieu of the requirement of graduation with a first professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, the Department may admit an applicant who is a graduate with a pre-professional 4 year baccalaureate degree accepted for direct entry into a first professional master of architecture degree program, and who has completed such additional diversified professional training, including academic training, as is required by rules of the Department. The Department may adopt, as its own rules relating to diversified professional training, those guidelines published from time to time by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Good moral character means such character as will enable a person to discharge the fiduciary duties of an architect to that person's client and to the public in a manner which protects health, safety and welfare. Evidence of inability to discharge such duties may include the commission of an offense justifying discipline under Section 22 19. In addition, the Department may take into consideration whether the applicant has engaged in conduct or actions that would constitute grounds for discipline under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 93-1009, eff. 1-1-05; 94-543, eff. 8-10-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/17.5 new)

Sec. 17.5. Architect, Retired. Pursuant to Section 2105-15 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Department may grant the title "Architect, Retired" to any person who has been duly licensed as an architect by the Department and who chooses to relinquish or not renew his or her license. The Department may, by rule, exempt from continuing education requirements those who are granted the title "Architect, Retired". Those persons granted the title "Architect, Retired" may request restoration to active status under the applicable provisions of this Act.

The use of the title "Architect, Retired" shall not constitute representation of current licensure. Any person without an active license shall not be permitted to practice architecture as defined in this Act.

(225 ILCS 305/21) (from Ch. 111, par. 1321)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 21. Professional design firm registration; conditions.

(a) Nothing in this Act shall prohibit the formation, under the provisions of the Professional Service Corporation Act, of a corporation to offer the practice of architecture.

Any business, including a Professional Service Corporation, that includes the practice of architecture within its stated purposes, practices architecture, or holds itself out as available to practice architecture shall register with the Department under this Section. Any professional service corporation, sole proprietorship, or professional design firm offering architectural services must have a resident architect overseeing the architectural practices in each location in which architectural services are provided.

Any sole proprietorship not owned and operated by an Illinois licensed design professional licensed under this Act shall be prohibited from offering architectural services to the public. "Illinois licensed design professional" means a person who holds an active license as an architect under this Act, as a structural engineer under the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989, or as a professional engineer under the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989. Any sole proprietorship owned and operated by an architect with an active license issued under this Act and conducting or transacting such business under an assumed name in accordance with the provisions of the Assumed Business Name Act shall comply with the registration requirements of a professional design firm. Any sole proprietorship owned and operated by an architect with an active license issued under this Act and conducting or transacting such business under the real name of the sole proprietor is exempt from the registration requirements of a professional design firm.

(b) Any corporation, including a Professional Service Corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or professional design firm seeking to be registered under this Section shall not be registered unless:

(1) two-thirds of the board of directors, in the case of a corporation, or two-thirds of the general partners, in the case of a partnership, or two-thirds of the members, in the case of a limited liability company, are licensed under the laws of any State to practice architecture, professional engineering, land surveying, or structural engineering; and

(2) the person having the architectural practice in this State in his charge is (A) a director in the case of a corporation, a general partner in the case of a partnership, or a member in the case of a limited liability company, and (B) holds a license under this Act.

Any corporation, limited liability company, professional service corporation, or partnership qualifying under this Section and practicing in this State shall file with the Department any information concerning its officers, directors, members, managers, partners or beneficial owners as the Department may, by rule, require.

(c) No business shall offer the practice or hold itself out as available to offer the practice of architecture until it is registered with the Department. Every entity registered as a professional design firm shall display its certificate of registration or a facsimile thereof in a conspicuous place in each office offering architectural services.

(d) Any business seeking to be registered under this Section shall make application on a form provided by the Department and shall provide any information requested by the Department, which shall include but shall not be limited to all of the following:

(1) The name and architect's license number of at least one person designated as the managing agent in responsible charge of the practice of architecture in Illinois. In the case of a corporation, the corporation shall also submit a certified copy of the resolution by the board of directors designating at least one managing agent. If a limited liability company, the company shall submit a certified copy of either its articles of organization or operating agreement designating the managing agent.

(2) The names and architect's, professional engineer's, structural engineer's, or land surveyor's license numbers of the directors, in the case of a corporation, the members, in the case of a limited liability company, or general partners, in the case of a partnership.

(3) A list of all locations at which the professional design firm provides architectural services.

(4) A list of all assumed names of the business. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to exempt a business from compliance with the requirements of the Assumed Business Name Act.

It is the responsibility of the professional design firm to provide the Department notice, in writing, of any changes in the information requested on the application.

(e) In the event a managing agent is terminated or terminates his or her status as managing agent of the professional design firm, the managing agent and professional design firm shall notify the Department of this fact in writing, by certified mail, within 10 business days of termination.

Thereafter, the professional design firm, if it has so informed the Department, has 30 days in which to notify the Department of the name and architect's license number of the architect who is the newly designated managing agent. If a corporation, the corporation shall also submit a certified copy of a resolution by the board of directors designating the new managing agent. If a limited liability company, the company shall also submit a certified copy of either its articles of organization or operating agreement designating the new managing agent. The Department may, upon good cause shown, extend the original 30 day period.

If the professional design firm has not notified the Department in writing, by certified mail within the specified time, the registration shall be terminated without prior hearing. Notification of termination shall be sent by certified mail to the last known address of the business. If the professional design firm continues to operate and offer architectural services after the termination, the Department may seek prosecution under Sections 22, 36, and 36a of this Act for the unlicensed practice of architecture.

(f) No professional design firm shall be relieved of responsibility for the conduct or acts of its agents, employees, or officers by reason of its compliance with this Section, nor shall any individual practicing architecture be relieved of the responsibility for professional services performed by reason of the individual's employment or relationship with a professional design firm registered under this Section.

(g) Disciplinary action against a professional design firm registered under this Section shall be administered in the same manner and on the same grounds as disciplinary action against a licensed architect. All disciplinary action taken or pending against a corporation or partnership before the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1993 shall be continued or remain in effect without the Department filing separate actions.

(Source: P.A. 91-91, eff. 1-1-00; 91-133, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 305/22) (from Ch. 111, par. 1322)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 22. Refusal, suspension and revocation of licenses; Causes.

(a) The Department may, singularly or in combination, refuse to issue, renew or restore, or may suspend or revoke any license or registration, or may place on probation, reprimand, or fine, with a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for each violation, any person, corporation, or partnership, or professional design firm licensed or registered under this Act for any of the following reasons:

(1) material misstatement in furnishing information to the Department;

(2) negligence, incompetence or misconduct in the practice of architecture;

(3) failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Act or any of the rules;

(4) making any misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining licensure;

(5) purposefully making false statements or signing false statements, certificates or affidavits to induce payment;

(6) conviction of any crime under the laws of the United States, or any state or territory thereof, which is a felony, whether related to the practice of architecture or not; or conviction of any crime, whether a felony, misdemeanor, or otherwise, an essential element of which is dishonesty, wanton disregard for the rights of others, or which is directly related to the practice of architecture;

(7) aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or its rules;

(8) signing, affixing the licensed architect's seal or permitting the architect's seal to be affixed to any technical submission construction documents not prepared by the architect or under that architect's responsible direct supervision and control;

(9) engaging in dishonorable, unethical or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud or harm the public;

(10) habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs;

(11) making a statement of compliance pursuant to the Environmental Barriers Act that construction documents prepared by the Licensed Architect or prepared under the licensed architect's direct supervision and control for construction or alteration of an occupancy required to be in compliance with the Environmental Barriers Act are in compliance with the Environmental Barriers Act when such technical submissions construction documents are not in compliance;

(12) a finding by the Board that an applicant or registrant has failed to pay a fine imposed by the Department or a registrant, whose license has been placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation;

(13) discipline by another state, territory, foreign country, the District of Columbia, the United States government, or any other governmental agency, if at least one of the grounds for discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth herein;

(14) failure to provide information in response to a written request made by the Department within 30 days after the receipt of such written request;

(15) physical illness, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill which results in the inability to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill or safety.

(a-5) In enforcing this Section, the Board upon a showing of a possible violation may request that the Department compel a person licensed to practice under this Act, or who has applied for licensure or certification pursuant to this Act, to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, as required by and at the expense of the Department. The examining physicians shall be those specifically designated by the Department. The Department may order the examining physician to present testimony concerning this mental or physical examination of the licensee or applicant. No information shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician. The person to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician of his or her choice present during all aspects of the examination. Failure of any person to submit to a mental or physical examination, when directed, shall be grounds for suspension of a license until the person submits to the examination if the Department finds, after notice and hearing, that the refusal to submit to the examination was without reasonable cause.

If the Board finds a person unable to practice because of the reasons set forth in this Section, the Board may recommend that the Department require that person to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice; or, in lieu of care, counseling, or treatment, the Board may recommend to the Department to file a complaint to immediately suspend, revoke or otherwise discipline the license of the person. Any person whose license was granted, continued, reinstated, renewed, disciplined, or supervised subject to such terms, conditions, or restrictions and who fails to comply with such terms, conditions, or restrictions shall be referred to the Director for a determination as to whether the person shall have his or her license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Board.

(b) The determination by a circuit court that a licensee is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission, as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, operates as an automatic suspension. Such suspension will end only upon a finding by a court that the patient is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission, the issuance of an order so finding and discharging the patient, and the recommendation of the Board to the Director that the licensee be allowed to resume practice.

The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend the license of any person who fails to file a return, or to pay the tax, penalty or interest shown in a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied.

Persons who assist the Department as consultants or expert witnesses in the investigation or prosecution of alleged violations of the Act, licensure matters, restoration proceedings, or criminal prosecutions, shall not be liable for damages in any civil action or proceeding as a result of such assistance, except upon proof of actual malice. The attorney general shall defend such persons in any such action or proceeding.

(Source: P.A. 94-543, eff. 8-10-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/23.5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 23.5. Unlicensed practice; violation; civil penalty.

(a) Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds oneself out to practice as an architect without being licensed under this Act shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, pay a civil penalty to the Department in an amount not to exceed $10,000 $5,000 for each offense as determined by the Department. The civil penalty shall be assessed by the Department after a hearing is held in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act regarding the provision of a hearing for the discipline of a licensee.

(a-5) Any entity that advertises architecture services in a telecommunications directory must include its architecture firm registration number or, in the case of a sole proprietor, his or her individual license number. Nothing in this subsection (a-5) requires the publisher of a telecommunications directory to investigate or verify the accuracy of the registration or license number provided by the advertiser of architecture services.

(b) The Department has the authority and power to investigate any and all unlicensed activity.

(c) The civil penalty shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the civil penalty. The order shall constitute a judgment and may be filed and execution had thereon in the same manner as any judgment from any court of record.

(Source: P.A. 94-543, eff. 8-10-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/24) (from Ch. 111, par. 1324)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 24. Investigations; notice and hearing. The Department may investigate the actions of any applicant or of any person or entity holding or claiming to hold a license or registration. Before the initiation of an investigation, the matter shall be reviewed by a subcommittee of the Board according to procedures established in Section 10.5 of this Act or by rule for the Complaint Committee. The Department shall, before refusing to restore, issue or renew a license or registration, or discipline a licensee or registrant, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing, notify in writing the applicant for, or holder of, a license or registrant of the nature of the charges and that a hearing will be held on the date designated, and direct the applicant or entity or licensee or registrant to file a written answer to the Board under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice and inform the applicant or entity or licensee or registrant that failure to file an answer will result in default being taken against the applicant or entity or licensee or registrant and that the license or certificate may be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary status, or other disciplinary action may be taken, including limiting the scope, nature or extent of practice, as the Director may deem proper. Written notice may be served by personal delivery or certified or registered mail to the respondent at the address of his last notification to the Department. In case the person or entity fails to file an answer after receiving notice, his or her license or certificate may, in the discretion of the Department, be suspended, revoked, or placed on probationary status, or the Department may take whatever disciplinary action deemed proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without a hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for such action under this Act. At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Board shall proceed to hear the charges and the parties or their counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present such statements, testimony, evidence and argument as may be pertinent to the charges or to their defense. The Board may continue the hearing from time to time.

(Source: P.A. 87-1031; 88-428.)

(225 ILCS 305/36) (from Ch. 111, par. 1336)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 36. Violations. Each of the following Acts constitutes a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent offense:

(a) the practice, attempt to practice or offer to practice architecture, or the advertising or putting out of any sign or card or other device which might indicate to the public that the person is entitled to practice architecture, without a license as a licensed architect, or registration as a professional design firm issued by the Department. Each day of practicing architecture or attempting to practice architecture, and each instance of offering to practice architecture, without a license as a licensed architect or registration as a professional design firm constitutes a separate offense;

(b) the making of any wilfully false oath or affirmation in any matter or proceeding where an oath or affirmation is required by this Act;

(c) the affixing of a licensed architect's seal to any technical submissions construction documents which have not been prepared by that architect or under the architect's responsible direct supervision and control;

(d) the violation of any provision of this Act or its rules;

(e) using or attempting to use an expired, inactive, suspended, or revoked license, or the certificate or seal of another, or impersonating another licensee;

(f) obtaining or attempting to obtain a license or registration by fraud; or

(g) If any person, sole proprietorship, professional service corporation, limited liability company, corporation or partnership, or other entity practices architecture or advertises or displays any sign or card or other device that might indicate to the public that the person or entity is entitled to practice as an architect or use the title "architect" or any of its derivations unless the person or other entity holds an active license as an architect or registration as a professional design firm in the State; then, in addition to any other penalty provided by law any person or other entity who violates this subsection (g) shall forfeit and pay to the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund a civil penalty in an amount determined by the Department of not more than $10,000 $5,000 for each offense.

An unlicensed person who has completed the education requirements, is actively participating in the diversified professional training, and maintains in good standing a training record as required for licensure by this Act may use the title "architectural intern", but may not independently engage in the practice of architecture.

(Source: P.A. 93-1009, eff. 1-1-05.)

(225 ILCS 305/38) (from Ch. 111, par. 1338)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 38. Fund; appropriations; investments; audits. Moneys deposited in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund shall be appropriated to the Department exclusively for expenses of the Department and the Board in the administration of this Act, the Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989, the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, and the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989. The expenses of the Department under this Act shall be limited to the ordinary and contingent expenses of the Design Professionals Dedicated Employees within the Department as established under Section 2105-75 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law (20 ILCS 2105/2105-75) and other expenses related to the administration and enforcement of this Act.

Moneys from the Fund may also be used for direct and allocable indirect costs related to the public purposes of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Moneys in the Fund may be transferred to the Professions Indirect Cost Fund as authorized by Section 2105-300 of the Department of Professional Regulation Law (20 ILCS 2105/2105-300).

All fines and penalties under Sections 22 and 36 shall be deposited in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund.

Moneys in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund may be invested and reinvested, with all earnings received from the investments to be deposited in the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund and used for the same purposes as fees deposited in the Fund.

Upon the completion of any audit of the Department as prescribed by the Illinois State Auditing Act that includes an audit of the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund, the Department shall make the audit open to inspection by any interested person. The copy of the audit report required to be submitted to the Department by this Section is an addition to copies of audit reports required to be submitted to other State officers and agencies by Section 3-14 of the Illinois State Auditing Act.

(Source: P.A. 91-91, eff. 1-1-00; 91-133, eff. 1-1-00; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

Section 15. The Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989 is amended by changing Sections 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 17, and 42 and by adding Sections 4.5 and 7.5 as follows:

(225 ILCS 325/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 5203)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 3. Application of the Act; Exemptions.

(a) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent the practice of structural engineering as defined in the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 or the practice of architecture as defined in the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 or the regular and customary practice of construction contracting and construction management as performed by construction contractors.

(b) Nothing in this Act shall prevent:

(1) Employees, including project representatives, of professional engineers lawfully practicing as sole owners, partnerships or corporations under this Act, from acting under the direct supervision of their employers.

(2) The employment of owner's representatives by the owner during the constructing, adding to, or altering of a project, or any parts thereof, provided that such owner's representative shall not have the authority to deviate from the technical submissions without the prior approval of the professional engineer for the project.

(3) The practice of officers and employees of the Government of the United States while engaged within this State in the practice of the profession of engineering for the Government.

(4) Services performed by employees of a business organization engaged in utility, industrial or manufacturing operations, or by employees of laboratory research affiliates of such business organization which are rendered in connection with the fabrication or production, sale, and installation of products, systems, or nonengineering services of the business organization or its affiliates.

(5) Inspection, maintenance and service work done by employees of the State of Illinois, any political subdivision thereof or any municipality.

(6) The activities performed by those ordinarily designated as chief engineer of plant operation, chief operating engineer, locomotive, stationary, marine, power plant or hoisting and portable engineers, electrical maintenance or service engineers, personnel employed in connection with construction, operation or maintenance of street lighting, traffic control signals, police and fire alarm systems, waterworks, steam, electric, and sewage treatment and disposal plants, or the services ordinarily performed by any worker regularly employed as a locomotive, stationary, marine, power plant, or hoisting and portable engineer or electrical maintenance or service engineer for any corporation, contractor or employer.

(7) The activities performed by a person ordinarily designated as a supervising engineer or supervising electrical maintenance or service engineer who supervises the operation of, or who operates, machinery or equipment, or who supervises construction or the installation of equipment within a plant which is under such person's immediate supervision.

(8) The services, for private use, of contractors or owners in the construction of engineering works or the installation of equipment.

(c) No officer, board, commission, or other public entity charged with the enforcement of codes and ordinances involving a professional engineering project shall accept for filing or approval any technical submissions that do not bear the seal and signature of a professional engineer licensed under this Act. A building permit issued with respect to technical submissions that do not conform to the requirements of this Act shall be invalid.

(d) Nothing contained in this Section imposes upon a person licensed under this Act the responsibility for the performance of any of the foregoing functions unless such person specifically contracts to provide it.

(Source: P.A. 91-91, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 325/4) (from Ch. 111, par. 5204)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 4. Definitions. As used in this Act:

(a) "Approved engineering curriculum" means an engineering curriculum or program of 4 academic years or more which meets the standards established by the rules of the Department.

(b) "Board" means the State Board of Professional Engineers of the Department of Professional Regulation, previously known as the Examining Committee.

(c) "Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

(d) "Design professional" means an architect, structural engineer or professional engineer practicing in conformance with the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989, the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 or the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

(e) "Secretary Director" means the Secretary Director of Financial and Professional Regulation.

(f) "Direct supervision/responsible charge" means work prepared under the control of a licensed professional engineer or that work as to which that professional engineer has detailed professional knowledge.

(g) "Engineering college" means a school, college, university, department of a university or other educational institution, reputable and in good standing in accordance with rules prescribed by the Department, and which grants baccalaureate degrees in engineering.

(h) "Engineering system or facility" means a system or facility whose design is based upon the application of the principles of science for the purpose of modification of natural states of being.

(i) "Engineer intern" means a person who is a candidate for licensure as a professional engineer and who has been enrolled as an engineer intern.

(j) "Enrollment" means an action by the Department to record those individuals who have met the Board's requirements for an engineer intern.

(k) "License" means an official document issued by the Department to an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a professional service corporation, a limited liability company, or a sole proprietorship, signifying authority to practice.

(l) "Negligence in the practice of professional engineering" means the failure to exercise that degree of reasonable professional skill, judgment and diligence normally rendered by professional engineers in the practice of professional engineering.

(m) "Professional engineer" means a person licensed under the laws of the State of Illinois to practice professional engineering.

(n) "Professional engineering" means the application of science to the design of engineering systems and facilities using the knowledge, skills, ability and professional judgment developed through professional engineering education, training and experience.

(o) "Professional engineering practice" means the consultation on, conception, investigation, evaluation, planning, and design of, and selection of materials to be used in, administration of construction contracts for, or site observation of, an engineering system or facility, where such consultation, conception, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, selection, administration, or observation requires extensive knowledge of engineering laws, formulae, materials, practice, and construction methods. A person shall be construed to practice or offer to practice professional engineering, within the meaning and intent of this Act, who practices, or who, by verbal claim, sign, advertisement, letterhead, card, or any other way, is represented to be a professional engineer, or through the use of the initials "P.E." or the title "engineer" or any of its derivations or some other title implies licensure as a professional engineer, or holds himself out as able to perform any service which is recognized as professional engineering practice.

Examples of the practice of professional engineering include, but need not be limited to, transportation facilities, public and publicly owned utilities for a region or community, railroads, railways, highways, subways, canals, harbors, and river improvements; land development; stormwater detention, retention, and conveyance; irrigation works; aircraft and , airports and landing fields; traffic engineering; waterworks, piping systems and appurtenances, sewers, sewage disposal works; storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water system modeling; plants for the generation of power; devices for the utilization of power; boilers; refrigeration plants, air conditioning systems and plants; heating systems and plants; plants for the transmission or distribution of power; electrical plants which produce, transmit, distribute, or utilize electrical energy; works for the extraction of minerals from the earth; plants for the refining, alloying or treating of metals; chemical works and industrial plants involving the use of chemicals and chemical processes; plants for the production, conversion, or utilization of nuclear, chemical, or radiant energy; forensic engineering, geotechnical engineering including, subsurface investigations; soil and rock classification, geology and geohydrology, incidental to the practice of professional engineering; geohydrological investigations, migration pathway analysis (including evaluation of building and site elements), soil and groundwater management zone analysis and design; energy analysis, environmental risk assessments, corrective action plans, design, remediation, protection plans and systems, hazardous waste mitigation and control, environmental control or remediation systems; recognition, measurement, evaluation, and control of environmental systems and emissions; evaluation and design of engineered barriers, modeling of pollutants in water, soil, and air; engineering surveys of sites, facilities, and topography, not including land boundary establishment; recognition, measurement, evaluation and control of environmental systems and emissions; automated building management systems; control or remediation systems; computer controlled or integrated systems; automatic fire notification and suppression systems; investigation and assessment of indoor air inhalation exposures and design of abatement and remediation systems; or the provision of professional engineering site observation of the construction of works and engineering systems. Nothing in this Section shall preclude an employee from acting under the direct supervision/responsible charge of a licensed professional engineer. Nothing contained in this Section imposes upon a person licensed under this Act the responsibility for the performance of any of the foregoing functions unless such person specifically contracts to provide it.

(p) "Project representative" means the professional engineer's representative at the project site who assists in the administration of the construction contract.

(q) "Registered" means the same as "licensed" for purposes of this Act.

(r) "Related science curriculum" means a 4 year program of study, the satisfactory completion of which results in a Bachelor of Science degree, and which contains courses from such areas as life, earth, engineering and computer sciences, including but not limited to, physics and chemistry. In the study of these sciences, the objective is to acquire fundamental knowledge about the nature of its phenomena, including quantitative expression, appropriate to particular fields of engineering.

(s) "Rules" means those rules promulgated pursuant to this Act.

(t) "Seal" means the seal in compliance with Section 14 of this Act.

(u) "Site observation" is visitation of the construction site for the purpose of reviewing, as available, the quality and conformance of the work to the technical submissions as they relate to design.

(v) "Support design professional" means a professional engineer practicing in conformance with the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, who provides services to the design professional who has contract responsibility.

(w) "Technical submissions" means the designs, drawings, and specifications which establish the scope and standard of quality for materials, workmanship, equipment, and the construction systems intended for use in construction. "Technical submissions" includes, but is not limited to, studies, analyses, calculations, and other technical reports prepared in the course of the a design professional's practice of professional engineering or under the direct supervision/responsible charge of a licensed professional engineer.

(x) "Design/build" and "design/build entity" means the project delivery process defined in Title 68, Section 1380.296 of the Illinois Administrative Code.

(Source: P.A. 91-91, eff. 1-1-00; 91-92, eff. 1-1-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01; 92-145, eff. 1-1-02.)

(225 ILCS 325/4.5 new)

Sec. 4.5. References to Department or Director of Professional Regulation. References in this Act (i) to the Department of Professional Regulation are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and (ii) to the Director of Professional Regulation are deemed, in appropriate contexts, to be references to the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation.

(225 ILCS 325/5) (from Ch. 111, par. 5205)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 5. Powers and duties of the Department. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Department shall exercise the following functions, powers and duties:

(a) To pass upon the qualifications and conduct examinations of applicants for licensure as professional engineers or enrollment as engineer interns and pass upon the qualifications of applicants by endorsement and issue a license or enrollment to those who are found to be fit and qualified.

(b) To prescribe rules for the method, conduct and grading of the examination of applicants.

(c) To license corporations, partnerships, professional service corporations, limited liability companies, and sole proprietorships for the practice of professional engineering and issue a license to those who qualify.

(d) To conduct investigations and hearings regarding violations of this Act and take disciplinary or other actions as provided in this Act as a result of the proceedings.

(e) To prescribe rules as to what shall constitute an engineering or related science curriculum and to determine if a specific engineering curriculum is in compliance with the rules, and to terminate the approval of a specific engineering curriculum for non-compliance with such rules.

(f) To promulgate rules required for the administration of this Act, including rules of professional conduct.

(g) To maintain membership in the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying and participate in activities of the Council by designation of individuals for the various classifications of membership, the appointment of delegates for attendance at zone and national meetings of the Council, and the funding of the delegates for attendance at the meetings of the Council.

(h) To obtain written recommendations from the Board regarding qualifications of individuals for licensure and enrollment, definitions of curriculum content and approval of engineering curricula, standards of professional conduct and formal disciplinary actions, and the promulgation of the rules affecting these matters.

Prior to issuance of any final decision or order that deviates from any report or recommendations of the Board relating to the qualification of applicants, discipline of licensees or registrants, or promulgation of rules, the Director shall notify the Board in writing with an explanation of any such deviation and provide a reasonable time for the Board to submit written comments to the Director regarding the proposed action. In the event that the Board fails or declines to submit such written comments within 30 days of said notification, the Director may issue a final decision or orders consistent with the Director's original decision. 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.

(i) To publish and distribute or to post on the Department's website, at least semi-annually, a newsletter to all persons licensed and registered under this Act. The newsletter shall describe the most recent changes in this Act and the rules adopted under this Act and shall contain information of any final disciplinary action that has been ordered under this Act since the date of the last newsletter.

(j) To contract with a corporation or other business entity to provide investigative, legal, prosecutorial, or other services necessary to perform its duties.

None of the functions, powers or duties enumerated in this Section shall be exercised by the Department except upon the action and report in writing of the Board.

(Source: P.A. 91-92, eff. 1-1-00; 92-145, eff. 1-1-02.)

(225 ILCS 325/7) (from Ch. 111, par. 5207)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 7. Powers and duties of the Board. Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board shall exercise the following functions, powers and duties:

(a) Review education and experience qualifications of applicants, including conducting oral interviews as deemed necessary by the Board, to determine eligibility as an engineer intern or professional engineer and submit to the Director written recommendations on applicant qualifications for enrollment and licensure;

(b) The Board may appoint a subcommittee to serve as a Complaint Committee to recommend the disposition of case files according to procedures established by rule;

(c) Conduct hearings regarding disciplinary actions and submit a written report and recommendations to the Director as required by this Act and to provide a Board member at informal conferences;

(d) Make visits to universities or colleges to evaluate engineering curricula or to otherwise evaluate engineering curricula and submit to the Director a written recommendation of acceptability of a curriculum;

(e) Submit a written recommendation to the Director concerning promulgation of rules as required in Section 5 and to recommend to the Director any rules or amendments thereto for the administration of this Act;

(f) Hold at least 3 regular meetings each year;

(g) Elect annually a chairperson and a vice-chairperson who shall be professional engineers; and

(h) Submit written comments to the Director within 30 days from notification of any final decision or order from the Director that deviates from any report or recommendation of the Board relating to the qualification of applicants, discipline of licensees or registrants, or promulgation of rules.

(i) Contract with a corporation or other business entity to provide investigative, legal, prosecutorial, or other services necessary to perform its duties.

(Source: P.A. 91-92, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 325/7.5 new)

Sec. 7.5. Complaint Committee.

(a) There is created the Professional Engineer Complaint Committee of the Board composed of 2 voting members of the Board, a Supervisor over Design Investigations, and a Chief of Prosecutions over Design Prosecutions. The Director of Enforcement shall designate the Supervisor and Chief assigned to the Complaint Committee.

(b) The Complaint Committee shall meet at least once every 2 months to exercise its functions and duties as set forth in subsection (c). Two members of the Board shall be in attendance in order for any business to be transacted by the Complaint Committee. The Complaint Committee shall make every effort to consider expeditiously and take prompt action on each item on its agenda.

(c) The Complaint Committee shall have the following duties and functions:

(1) To review any complaint filed against an involved party under this Act.

(2) To refer the complaint to the Supervisor over Design Investigations for further action.

(3) To recommend to the Board that a complaint file be closed.

(4) To make all other decisions in conjunction with the Supervisor over Design Investigations regarding an action to be taken on a complaint.

(5) To report the actions of the Complaint Committee at each meeting of the Board.

(6) To provide an annual statistical report of all complaints filed, the average length of time to resolve a complaint, the number of complaints resolved or dismissed, the reasons for dismissed complaints, the number of complaints that resulted in disciplinary action, and the number of unresolved complaints. Such report shall be made available to the public.

(d) In determining what action to take or whether to proceed with prosecution of a complaint, the Complaint Committee shall consider, but not be limited to, the following factors: the effect on the public's health, safety, and welfare; the sufficiency of the evidence presented; prosecutorial merit; and sufficient cooperation from complaining parties.

(e) No complaint file shall be closed nor complaint dismissed except upon recommendation of the Complaint Committee or approval by the Board.

(f) When a complaint is made to the Department that alleges that a building or other structure that requires the involvement of a professional engineer in its design is under construction, construction is imminent, or construction has been completed and a professional engineer is not or was not involved in its design, the investigation of that complaint shall be expedited to ensure the health and safety of the public. This investigation will be referred to as an emergency investigation.

An emergency investigation will be given priority attention and assigned to an investigator as soon as possible.

Once assigned to an investigator, the Department, through its investigator, must convene a meeting of the Complaint Committee by teleconference to determine if the complaint shall continue to be treated as an emergency investigation. Such meetings shall be deemed an emergency and notice of the meeting shall be provided in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

Upon determination by the Complaint Committee that the complaint should be treated as an emergency investigation, the complaint must be investigated as soon as possible.

Upon completion of the emergency investigation, the investigator must again convene a meeting of the Complaint Committee by teleconference. This meeting shall also be considered an emergency and notice of the meeting shall be provided in accordance with the Open Meetings Act. The Complaint Committee must then decide whether to recommend to the Department that the complaint be referred to the Attorney General to seek a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction against the start or further construction of the project or, where the project has already been completed, to enjoin the use of the building or structure. The Complaint Committee shall recommend that the case be referred to the Attorney General only upon a finding that the facts alleged in the complaint are credible and constitute an imminent danger to the public.

(225 ILCS 325/10) (from Ch. 111, par. 5210)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 10. Minimum standards for examination for licensure as professional engineer. To qualify for licensure as a professional engineer each applicant shall be:

(a) A graduate of an approved engineering curriculum of at least 4 years who submits acceptable evidence to the Board of an additional 4 years or more of experience in engineering work of a grade and character which indicate that the individual may be competent to practice professional engineering, and who then passes a nominal 8-hour written examination in the fundamentals of engineering, and a nominal 8-hour written examination in the principles and practice of engineering. Upon passing both examinations, the applicant, if otherwise qualified, shall be granted a license to practice professional engineering in this State; or

(b) A graduate of a non-approved engineering curriculum or a related science curriculum of at least 4 years and meeting the requirements as set forth by rule, who submits acceptable evidence to the Board of an additional 8 years or more of experience in engineering work of a grade and character which indicate that the individual may be competent to practice professional engineering, and who then passes a nominal 8-hour written examination in the fundamentals of engineering and a nominal 8-hour written examination in the principles and practice of engineering. Upon passing both examinations, the applicant, if otherwise qualified, shall be granted a license to practice professional engineering in this State; or

(c) An engineer intern who meets the education and experience qualifications of subsection (a) or (b) of this Section and has passed the nominal 8-hour written examination in the fundamentals of engineering, by application and payment of the required fee, may then take the nominal 8-hour written examination in the principles and practice of engineering. If an engineer intern successfully completes the Upon passing that examination and submits evidence to the Board of meeting the experience qualifications of subsection (a) or (b) of this Section, he or she the applicant, if otherwise qualified, shall be granted a license to practice professional engineering in this State.

(d) When considering an applicant's qualifications for licensure under this Act, the Department may take into consideration whether an applicant has engaged in conduct or actions that would constitute a violation of the Standards of Professional Conduct for this Act as provided for by administrative rules.

(Source: P.A. 91-92, eff. 1-1-00.)

(225 ILCS 325/17) (from Ch. 111, par. 5217)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 17. Licensure; Renewal; Restoration; Person in military service. The expiration date and renewal period for each professional engineer license issued under this Act shall be set by the Department by rule. The enrollment of an engineer intern shall not expire.

Any person whose license has expired or whose license is on inactive status may have such license restored by making application to the Department and filing proof acceptable to the Department of that person's fitness to have such license restored, which may include sworn evidence certifying to active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Department and by paying the required restoration fee. If the person has not maintained an active practice in another jurisdiction satisfactory to the Department, the Board shall determine, by an evaluation program established by rule, the person's fitness to resume active status and may require the person to complete a period of evaluated experience and may require successful completion of the principles and practice examination.

However, any person whose license expired while that person was (1) in Federal Service on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States, or the State Militia called into service or training, or (2) in training or education under the supervision of the United States preliminary to induction into the military service, may have such license renewed or restored without paying any lapsed renewal fees if, within 2 years after honorable termination of such service, training, or education, except under conditions other than honorable, the Department is furnished with satisfactory evidence that the person has been so engaged and has maintained professional competence and that such service, training or education has been so terminated.

Each application for renewal shall contain the original seal and signature of the professional engineer. Applicants for renewal or restoration shall certify that all conditions of their license meet the requirements of the Illinois Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.

The Department may grant the title "Retired" to eligible retirees to be used immediately adjacent to the title of Professional Engineer. The use of the title "PE Retired" shall not constitute representation of current licensure, registration, or certification. Any person without an active license, registration, or certificate shall not be permitted to practice professional engineering.

(Source: P.A. 89-61, eff. 6-30-95.)

(225 ILCS 325/42) (from Ch. 111, par. 5242)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2010)

Sec. 42. Civil penalties.

(1) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person, sole proprietorship, professional service corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other entity who violates Section 40 of this Act shall forfeit and pay to the Design Professionals Administration and Investigation Fund a civil penalty in an amount determined by the Department of not more than $10,000 $5,000 for each offense. The penalty shall be assessed in proceedings as provided in Sections 26 through 33 and Section 37 of this Act.

(2) Unless the amount of the penalty is paid within 60 days after the order becomes final, the order shall constitute a judgment and shall be filed and execution issued thereon in the same manner as the judgment of a court of record.

(Source: P.A. 88-595, eff. 8-26-94; 89-61, eff. 6-30-95.)