The ASLA Board of Trustees recently approved six policies on licensure. To learn more about the ASLA's positions visit the following links.
Professional Licensure:
https://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Government_Affairs/Public_Policies/Professional_Licensure.pdf



Definition of Landscape Architectural Practice:
https://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Government_Affairs/Public_Policies/Licensure_Definition_of_Practice.pdf

 
Qualifications for Licensure:
https://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Government_Affairs/Public_Policies/Licensure_Qualifications_2023.pdf

Reciprocity:
https://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Government_Affairs/Public_Policies/Licensure_Reciprocity.pdf

Enforcement:
https://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Government_Affairs/Public_Policies/Licensure_Enforcement.pdf

Post-Nominal Letters:
https://www.asla.org/uploadedFiles/CMS/Government_Affairs/Public_Policies/Licensure_PostNominal%20Letters_2023.pdf




The Washington Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has been vigilantly fighting to uphold licensure within the state. HB 1301 and HB 2156/SB 6256 were brought to the chapter's attention by the national association to ensure informed professionals that would be directly affected.

HB 1301 is an act that relates to the intent of the legislature to establish "a sunset review process for all professional licensing requirements regulated by the department of licensing, to ensure that the rights and well-being of practitioners of the profession." The primary update coming out of this bill is that the Department of Labor should be annually reviewing 20% of its professional licenses in 2024 and submit an annual report by August 31st with any recommendations regarding licenses they believe should be terminated, continued, or modified. The current Washington ASLA Trustee and Past-Trustees attended the open forum town hall event into offer insight to landscape architecture.

Meanwhile, HB 2156 and SB 6256 add a new chapter to Title 19 and notably states that while many residents are solicited by solar energy salespersons to purchase or lease a solar energy program the solicitors are responsible for accurately representing the terms. The legislation also adds clear definitions of common terms that relate to the solar energy industry such as solar energy system, dealer fee, and electric utility, to name a few.

The Washington Chapter of ASLA sent letters to the state representatives in support of being one of the professions included a part of the licensed professionals that can assist in the design of solar infrastructure. With that, the bill only includes licensed architects, land surveyors, and engineers. The chapter hopes that landscape architects will be added to the amendments.