96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB0880

 

Introduced 2/10/2009, by Rep. Michael G. Connelly

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
See Index

    Amends the Professional Geologist Licensing Act. Provides that references in the Act (i) to the Department of Professional Regulation are deemed to be references to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and (ii) to the Director of Professional Regulation are deemed to be references to the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. Makes a technical change in the title of Licensed Professional Geologists. Provides for the enrollment with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation of Geologist Interns. Adds a provision concerning a quorum of the Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists. Effective immediately.


LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB0880 LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     AN ACT concerning regulation.
 
2     Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3 represented in the General Assembly:
 
4     Section 5. The Professional Geologist Licensing Act is
5 amended by changing Sections 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,
6 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 135, 140,
7 145, and 160 and by adding Sections 17 and 51 as follows:
 
8     (225 ILCS 745/15)
9     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
10     Sec. 15. Definitions. In this Act:
11     "Board" means the Board of Licensing for Professional
12 Geologists.
13     "Department" means the Department of Financial and
14 Professional Regulation.
15     "Director" means the Director of Professional Regulation.
16     "Enrollment" means the recording by the Department of those
17 individuals who have met the requirements specified in this Act
18 for a Geologist Intern and the issuance of a certificate of
19 enrollment to such individuals.
20     "Geologist" means an individual who, by reason of his or
21 her knowledge of geology, mathematics, and the physical and
22 life sciences, acquired by education and practical experience
23 as defined by this Act, is capable of practicing the science of

 

 

HB0880 - 2 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 geology.
2     "Geologist Intern" means an individual enrolled with the
3 Department who has knowledge of geology, mathematics, and the
4 physical and life sciences, obtained by education, as defined
5 in this Act, and has passed the examination on the fundamentals
6 of geology administered by the Department with the advice and
7 consent of the Board.
8     "Geology" means the science that includes the treatment of
9 the earth and its origin and history including, but not limited
10 to, (i) the investigation of the earth's crust and interior and
11 the solids and fluids, including all surface and underground
12 waters, gases, and other materials that compose the earth as
13 they may relate to geologic processes; (ii) the study of the
14 natural agents, forces, and processes that cause changes in the
15 earth; and (iii) the utilization of this knowledge of the earth
16 and its solids, fluids, and gases, and their collective
17 properties and processes, for the benefit of humankind.
18     "Person" or "individual" means a natural person.
19     "Practice of professional geology" means the performance
20 of, or the offer to perform, the services of a geologist,
21 including consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning,
22 mapping, inspection of geologic work, and other services that
23 require extensive knowledge of geologic laws, formulas,
24 principles, practice, and methods of data interpretation.
25     A person shall be construed to practice or offer to
26 practice professional geology, within the meaning and intent of

 

 

HB0880 - 3 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 this Act, if that person (i) by verbal claim, sign,
2 advertisement, letterhead, card, or any other means,
3 represents himself or herself to be a Licensed Professional
4 Geologist professional geologist or through the use of some
5 title implies that he or she is a Licensed Professional
6 Geologist professional geologist or is licensed under this Act
7 or (ii) holds himself or herself out as able to perform or does
8 perform services or work defined in this Act as the practice of
9 professional geology.
10     Examples of the practice of professional geology include,
11 but are not limited to, the conduct of, or responsible charge
12 for, the following types of activities: (i) mapping, sampling,
13 and analysis of earth materials, interpretation of data, and
14 the preparation of oral or written testimony regarding the
15 probable geological causes of events; (ii) planning, review,
16 and supervision of data gathering activities, interpretation
17 of geological data gathered by direct and indirect means,
18 preparation of geological maps, cross-sections, interpretive
19 maps and reports for the purpose of evaluating regional or site
20 specific geological conditions; (iii) the planning, review,
21 and supervision of data gathering activities and
22 interpretation of data on regional or site specific geological
23 characteristics affecting groundwater; (iv) the interpretation
24 of geological conditions on the surface and at depth at a
25 specific site on the Earth's surface for the purpose of
26 determining whether those conditions correspond to a geologic

 

 

HB0880 - 4 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 map of the site; and (v) the conducting of environmental
2 property audits.
3     "Licensed Professional Geologist professional geologist"
4 means an individual who is licensed under this Act to engage in
5 the practice of professional geology in Illinois.
6     "Responsible charge" means the independent control and
7 direction, by use of initiative, skill, and independent
8 judgment, of geological work or the supervision of that work.
9     "Secretary" means the Secretary of Financial and
10 Professional Regulation.
11 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
12     (225 ILCS 745/17 new)
13     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
14     Sec. 17. References to Department or Director of
15 Professional Regulation. References in this Act (i) to the
16 Department of Professional Regulation are deemed, in
17 appropriate contexts, to be references to the Department of
18 Financial and Professional Regulation and (ii) to the Director
19 of Professional Regulation are deemed, in appropriate
20 contexts, to be references to the Secretary of Financial and
21 Professional Regulation.
 
22     (225 ILCS 745/20)
23     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
24     Sec. 20. Exemptions. Nothing in this Act shall be construed

 

 

HB0880 - 5 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 to restrict the use of the title "geologist" or similar words
2 by any person engaged in a practice of geology exempted under
3 this Act, provided the person does not hold himself or herself
4 out as being a Licensed Professional Geologist licensed
5 professional geologist or does not practice professional
6 geology in a manner requiring licensure under this Act.
7 Performance of the following activities does not require
8 licensure as a Licensed Professional Geologist licensed
9 professional geologist under this Act:
10     (a) The practice of professional geology by an employee or
11 a subordinate of a licensee under this Act, provided the work
12 does not include responsible charge of geological work and is
13 performed under the direct supervision of a Licensed
14 Professional Geologist licensed professional geologist who is
15 responsible for the work.
16     (b) The practice of professional geology by officers and
17 employees of the United States government within the scope of
18 their employment.
19     (c) The practice of professional geology as geologic
20 research to advance basic knowledge for the purpose of offering
21 scientific papers, publications, or other presentations (i)
22 before meetings of scientific societies, (ii) internal to a
23 partnership, corporation, proprietorship, or government
24 agency, or (iii) for publication in scientific journals, or in
25 books.
26     (d) The teaching of geology in schools, colleges, or

 

 

HB0880 - 6 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 universities, as defined by rule.
2     (d-5) The practice of professional geology by any person
3 pursuing a course of study leading to a degree in geology from
4 an accredited college or university as set forth in this Act
5 and by rule, provided that (i) such practice constitutes a part
6 of a supervised course of study, (ii) the person is under the
7 supervision of a geologist licensed under this Act, and (iii)
8 the person is designated by a title that clearly indicates his
9 or her status as a student or trainee.
10     (e) The practice of professional geology exclusively in the
11 exploration for or development of energy resources or base,
12 precious and nonprecious minerals, including sand, gravel, and
13 aggregate, that does not require, by law, rule, or ordinance,
14 the submission of reports, documents, or oral or written
15 testimony to public agencies. Public agencies may, by law or by
16 rule, allow required oral or written testimony, reports, permit
17 applications, or other documents based on the science of
18 geology to be submitted to them by persons not licensed under
19 this Act. Unless otherwise required by State or federal law,
20 public agencies may not require that the geology-based aspects
21 of testimony, reports, permits, or other documents so exempted
22 be reviewed by, approved, or otherwise certified by any person
23 who is not a Licensed Professional Geologist licensed
24 professional geologist. Licensure is not required for the
25 submission and review of reports or documents or the provision
26 of oral or written testimony made under the Well Abandonment

 

 

HB0880 - 7 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 Act, the Illinois Oil and Gas Act, the Surface Coal Mining Land
2 Conservation and Reclamation Act, or the Surface-Mined Land
3 Conservation and Reclamation Act.
4     (f) The practice of professional engineering as defined in
5 the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989.
6     (g) The practice of structural engineering as defined in
7 the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989.
8     (h) The practice of architecture as defined in the Illinois
9 Architecture Practice Act of 1989.
10     (i) The practice of land surveying as defined in the
11 Illinois Professional Land Surveyor Act of 1989.
12     (j) The practice of landscape architecture as defined in
13 the Illinois Landscape Architecture Act of 1989.
14 (Source: P.A. 91-91, eff. 1-1-00.)
 
15     (225 ILCS 745/25)
16     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
17     Sec. 25. Restrictions and limitations. No person shall,
18 without a valid license issued by the Department (i) in any
19 manner hold himself or herself out to the public as a Licensed
20 Professional Geologist licensed professional geologist; (ii)
21 attach the title "Licensed Professional Geologist" to his or
22 her name; or (iii) render or offer to render to individuals,
23 corporations, or public agencies services constituting the
24 practice of professional geology.
25     Individuals practicing geology in Illinois as of the

 

 

HB0880 - 8 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 effective date of this amendatory Act of 1997 may continue to
2 practice as provided in this Act until the Department has
3 adopted rules implementing this Act. To continue practicing
4 geology after the adoption of rules, individuals shall apply
5 for licensure within 180 days after the effective date of the
6 rules. If an application is received during the 180-day period,
7 the individual may continue to practice until the Department
8 acts to grant or deny licensure. If an application is not filed
9 within the 180-day period, the individual must cease the
10 practice of geology at the conclusion of the 180-day period and
11 until the Department acts to grant a license to the individual.
12 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96; 90-61, eff. 12-30-97.)
 
13     (225 ILCS 745/30)
14     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
15     Sec. 30. Powers and duties of the Department. Subject to
16 the provisions of this Act, the Department may:
17     (a) Authorize examinations to ascertain the qualifications
18 and fitness of applicants for licensing or enrollment as
19 Licensed Professional Geologists, Licensed Specialty
20 Geologists, or Geologist Interns licensed professional
21 geologists or as licensed specialty geologists, as defined by
22 the Board, and pass upon the qualifications of applicants for
23 licensure by endorsement.
24     (b) Conduct hearings on proceedings to refuse to issue or
25 renew or to revoke licenses or certificates of enrollment or

 

 

HB0880 - 9 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 suspend, place on probation, or reprimand persons licensed or
2 enrolled under this Act, and to refuse to issue or renew or to
3 revoke licenses or certificates of enrollment, or suspend,
4 place on probation, or reprimand persons licensed or enrolled
5 under this Act.
6     (c) Formulate rules required for the administration of this
7 Act.
8     (d) Obtain written recommendations from the Board
9 regarding (i) definitions of curriculum content and approval of
10 geological curricula, standards of professional conduct, and
11 formal disciplinary actions and the formulation of rules
12 affecting these matters and (ii) when petitioned by the
13 applicant, opinions regarding the qualifications of applicants
14 for licensing or enrolling.
15     (e) Maintain rosters of the names and addresses of all
16 licensees, enrollees, and all persons whose licenses or
17 certificates of enrollment have been suspended, revoked, or
18 denied renewal for cause within the previous calendar year.
19 These rosters shall be available upon written request and
20 payment of the required fee.
21 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
22     (225 ILCS 745/35)
23     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
24     Sec. 35. Board of Licensing for Professional Geologists;
25 members; qualifications; duties.

 

 

HB0880 - 10 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     (a) The Director shall appoint a Board of Licensing for
2 Professional Geologists which shall serve in an advisory
3 capacity to the Director. The Board shall be composed of 8
4 persons, 7 of whom shall be voting members appointed by the
5 Director, who shall give due consideration to recommendations
6 by members of the profession of geology and of geology
7 organizations within the State. In addition, the State
8 Geologist or his or her designated representative, shall be an
9 advisory, non-voting member of the Board.
10     (b) Insofar as possible, the geologists appointed to serve
11 on the Board shall be generally representative of the
12 occupational and geographical distribution of geologists
13 within this State.
14     (c) Of the 7 appointed voting members of the Board, 6 shall
15 be geologists and one shall be a member of the general public
16 with no family or business connection with the practice of
17 geology.
18     (d) Each of the first appointed geologist members of the
19 Board shall have at least 10 years of active geological
20 experience and shall possess the education and experience
21 required for licensure. Each subsequently appointed geologist
22 member of the Board shall be a Licensed Professional Geologist
23 professional geologist licensed under this Act.
24     (e) Of the initial appointments, the Director shall appoint
25 3 voting members for a term of 4 years, 2 voting members for a
26 term of 3 years, and 2 voting members for a term of 2 years.

 

 

HB0880 - 11 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 Thereafter, voting members shall be appointed for 4-year terms.
2 Terms shall commence on the 3rd Monday in January.
3     (f) Members shall hold office until the expiration of their
4 terms or until their successors have been appointed and have
5 qualified.
6     (g) No voting member of the Board shall serve more than 2
7 consecutive full terms.
8     (h) Vacancies in the membership of the Board shall be
9 filled by appointment for the unexpired term.
10     (i) The Director may remove or suspend any member of the
11 Board for cause at any time before the expiration of his or her
12 term.
13     (j) The Board shall annually elect one of its members as
14 chairperson.
15     (k) The members of the Board shall be reimbursed for all
16 legitimate and necessary expenses authorized by the Department
17 incurred in attending the meetings of the Board.
18     (l) The Board may make recommendations to the Director to
19 establish the examinations and their method of grading.
20     (m) The Board may submit written recommendations to the
21 Director concerning formulation of rules and a Code of
22 Professional Conduct and Ethics. The Board may recommend or
23 endorse revisions and amendments to the Code and to the rules
24 from time to time.
25     (n) The Board may make recommendations on matters relating
26 to continuing education of Licensed Professional Geologists

 

 

HB0880 - 12 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 licensed professional geologists, including the number of
2 hours necessary for license renewal, waivers for those unable
3 to meet that requirement, and acceptable course content. These
4 recommendations shall not impose an undue burden on the
5 Department or an unreasonable restriction on those seeking a
6 license renewal.
7     (o) A majority of Board members constitutes a quorum. A
8 quorum is required for all Board decisions.
9 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
10     (225 ILCS 745/40)
11     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
12     Sec. 40. Application for original license or enrollment.
13     (a) Applications for original licensure as a Licensed
14 Professional Geologist licenses shall be made to the Department
15 on forms prescribed by the Department and accompanied by the
16 required fee. All applications shall contain the information
17 that, in the judgment of the Department, will enable the
18 Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for a
19 license to practice as a Licensed Professional Geologist
20 licensed professional geologist.
21     (b) Applications for enrollment as a Geologist Intern shall
22 be made to the Department on forms prescribed by the Department
23 and accompanied by the required fee. All applications shall
24 contain the information that, in the judgment of the
25 Department, will enable the Department to pass on the

 

 

HB0880 - 13 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 qualifications of the applicant to take the examination on the
2 theory and fundamentals of the science of geology and be
3 enrolled as a Geologist Intern.
4 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
5     (225 ILCS 745/45)
6     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
7     Sec. 45. Examination; failure or refusal to take the
8 examination.
9     (a) The Department shall authorize examinations of
10 applicants for original Professional Geologist licensure and
11 Geologist Intern enrollment at such times and places as it may
12 determine. The examination for Professional Geologist
13 licensure examinations shall be a 2-part exam, with one part of
14 a character to fairly testing test an applicant's
15 qualifications to practice professional geology and knowledge
16 of the theory and practice of the science of geology, including
17 subjects that are generally taught in curricula of accredited
18 colleges and universities, and the other part fairly testing
19 the applicant's knowledge of the practical application and
20 practice of the theory and science of geology. Applicants for
21 Geologist Intern enrollment must take only that part of the
22 examination that fairly tests the knowledge of the theory and
23 fundamentals of the science of geology.
24     (b) Applicants who are required to take an examination for
25 examinations shall pay, either to the Department or to the

 

 

HB0880 - 14 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 designated testing service, a fee covering the cost of
2 providing the examination. Failure to appear for the required
3 examination on the scheduled date at the time and place
4 specified after the application for examination has been
5 received and acknowledged by the Department or the designated
6 testing service shall result in forfeiture of the examination
7 fee.
8     (c) If the applicant neglects, fails, or refuses to take a
9 required an examination or fails to pass a required an
10 examination for a license under this Act within 3 years after
11 filing an application, the application shall be denied.
12 However, the applicant may thereafter submit a new application
13 accompanied by the required fee. The applicant shall meet the
14 requirements in force at the time of making the new
15 application.
16     (d) The Department may employ consultants for the purpose
17 of preparing and conducting examinations.
18     (e) The Department shall have the authority to adopt or
19 recognize, in part or in whole, examinations prepared,
20 administered, or graded by other organizations that are
21 determined appropriate to measure the qualifications of an
22 applicant for licensure as a Licensed Professional Geologist or
23 enrollment as a Geologist Intern professional geologist.
24 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
25     (225 ILCS 745/50)

 

 

HB0880 - 15 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
2     Sec. 50. Qualifications for licensure.
3     (a) The Department may issue a license to practice as a
4 Licensed Professional Geologist licensed professional
5 geologist to any applicant who meets the following
6 qualifications:
7         (1) The applicant has completed an application form and
8     paid submitted the required fees.
9         (2) The applicant is of good ethical character,
10     including compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct
11     and Ethics under this Act, and has not committed any act or
12     offense in any jurisdiction that would constitute the basis
13     for disciplining a Licensed Professional Geologist
14     professional geologist licensed under this Act.
15         (3) The applicant has earned a degree in geology from
16     an accredited college or university, as established by
17     rule, with a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours of
18     course credits in geology, of which 24 semester or 36
19     quarter hours are in upper level courses. The Department
20     may, upon the recommendation of the Board, allow the
21     substitution of appropriate experience as a geologist for
22     prescribed educational requirements as established by
23     rule.
24         (4) The applicant has a documented record of a minimum
25     of 4 years of professional experience, obtained after
26     completion of the education requirements specified in this

 

 

HB0880 - 16 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     Section, in geologic or directly related work,
2     demonstrating that the applicant is qualified to assume
3     responsible charge of such work upon licensure as a
4     Licensed Professional Geologist professional geologist or
5     such specialty of professional geology that the Board may
6     recommend and the Department may recognize. The Department
7     may require evidence acceptable to it that up to 2 years of
8     professional experience have been gained under the
9     supervision of a person licensed under this Act or similar
10     Acts in any other state, or under the supervision of others
11     who, in the opinion of the Department, are qualified to
12     have responsible charge of geological work under this Act.
13         (5) The applicant has passed an examination authorized
14     by the Department for the practice as a Licensed
15     Professional Geologist of professional geology.
16         (6) The applicant has complied with all other
17     requirements of this Act and rules established for the
18     implementation of this Act.
19     (b) Professional Geologist licensure A license to practice
20 professional geology shall not be denied any applicant because
21 of the applicant's race, religion, creed, national origin,
22 political beliefs or activities, age, sex, sexual orientation,
23 or physical impairment.
24 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
25     (225 ILCS 745/51 new)

 

 

HB0880 - 17 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
2     Sec. 51. Qualifications for Geologist Intern enrollment;
3 final expiration of enrollment; Department powers and duties.
4     (a) The Department may enroll as a Geologist Intern any
5 applicant who meets the following qualifications:
6         (1) The applicant has completed an application form and
7     paid the required fees.
8         (2) The applicant has (i) earned a degree in geology
9     from an accredited college or university, with a minimum of
10     30 semester or 45 quarter hours of course credits in
11     geology, of which 24 semester or 36 quarter hours are in
12     upper level courses or (ii) is in the final semester of a
13     program leading to a degree as set forth in item (i) of
14     this subparagraph (2). The Department may not issue a
15     certificate of enrollment under this Section unless and
16     until an applicant provides proof acceptable to the
17     Department of having obtained the required degree within 12
18     months after having passed the required enrollment
19     examination.
20         (3) The applicant has passed the required examination
21     on the theory and fundamentals of the science of geology,
22     as required under Section 45 of this Act.
23     (b) A Geologist Intern in good standing may renew his or
24 her certificate of enrollment upon payment to the Department of
25 the required fee; however, the life of a certificate of
26 enrollment issued under this Section may not extend past a

 

 

HB0880 - 18 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 period of 10 years and shall automatically and permanently
2 expire upon the end of the 10-year period if the enrollee fails
3 to apply for and successfully meet the requirements for
4 licensure as a Licensed Professional Geologist, including the
5 successful passage of that part of the Licensed Professional
6 Geologist examination that fairly tests the practical
7 application and practice of the science of geology, as set
8 forth in Section 45 of this Act.
9     (c) Geologist Intern enrollment shall not be denied any
10 applicant because of the applicant's race, religion, creed,
11 national origin, political beliefs or activities, age, sex,
12 sexual orientation, or physical impairment.
 
13     (225 ILCS 745/60)
14     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
15     Sec. 60. Seals.
16     (a) Upon licensure, each licensee shall obtain a seal of a
17 design as required by rule bearing the licensee's name, license
18 number, and the legend "Licensed Professional Geologist".
19     (b) All preliminary, draft, and final geologic reports,
20 documents, permits, affidavits, maps, boring logs, sections or
21 other records offered to the public and prepared or issued by
22 or under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Geologist
23 licensed professional geologist shall include the full name,
24 signature, and license number of the licensee, and the date of
25 license expiration of the person who prepared the document or

 

 

HB0880 - 19 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 under whose supervision it was prepared, and an impression of
2 the licensee's seal, in accordance with rules issued by the
3 Department.
4     (c) The Licensed Professional Geologist licensed
5 professional geologist who has contract responsibility shall
6 seal a cover sheet of the professional work products and those
7 individual portions of the professional work products for which
8 the Licensed Professional Geologist licensed professional
9 geologist is legally and professionally responsible. A
10 Licensed Professional Geologist licensed professional
11 geologist practicing as the support professional shall seal
12 those individual portions of professional work products for
13 which that Licensed Professional Geologist licensed
14 professional geologist is legally and professionally
15 responsible.
16     (d) The use of a Licensed Professional Geologist's licensed
17 professional geologist's seal on professional work products
18 constitutes a representation that the work prepared by or under
19 the personal supervision of that Licensed Professional
20 Geologist licensed professional geologist has been prepared
21 and administered in accordance with the standards of reasonable
22 professional skill and diligence.
23     (e) It is unlawful to affix one's seal to professional work
24 products if it masks the true identity of the person who
25 actually exercised direction, supervision, and responsible
26 charge of the preparation of that work. A Licensed Professional

 

 

HB0880 - 20 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 Geologist licensed professional geologist who signs and seals
2 professional work products is not responsible for damage caused
3 by subsequent changes to or uses of those professional work
4 products, if the subsequent changes or uses, including changes
5 or uses made by State or local government agencies, are not
6 authorized or approved by the Licensed Professional Geologist
7 licensed professional geologist who originally signed and
8 sealed the professional work products.
9 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
10     (225 ILCS 745/65)
11     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
12     Sec. 65. Expiration and renewal of license and certificate
13 of enrollment. The expiration date and renewal period for each
14 license and certificate of enrollment shall be set by rule. A
15 Professional Geologist professional geologist whose license
16 has expired may reinstate his or her license at any time within
17 5 years after the expiration thereof, by making a renewal
18 application and by paying the required fee. However, any
19 Professional Geologist or Geologist Intern professional
20 geologist whose license expired while he or she was (i) on
21 active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States or
22 called into service or training by the State militia or (ii) in
23 training or education under the supervision of the United
24 States preliminary to induction into the military service, may
25 have his or her professional geologist license or certificate

 

 

HB0880 - 21 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 renewed, reinstated, or restored without paying any lapsed
2 renewal fees if within 2 years after termination of the
3 service, training, or education the Professional Geologist or
4 Geologist Intern professional geologist furnishes the
5 Department with satisfactory evidence of service, training, or
6 education and it has been terminated under honorable
7 conditions.
8     Any Professional Geologist professional geologist whose
9 license has expired for more than 5 years may have it restored
10 by making application to the Department, paying the required
11 fee, and filing acceptable proof of fitness to have the license
12 restored. The proof may include sworn evidence certifying
13 active practice in another jurisdiction. If the geologist has
14 not practiced for 5 years or more, the Board shall determine by
15 an evaluation program established by rule, whether that
16 individual is fit to resume active status. The Board and may
17 require the Professional Geologist professional geologist to
18 complete a period of evaluated professional experience and may
19 require successful completion of an examination.
20     The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend the
21 license or certificate of enrollment of any person who fails to
22 file a return, or to pay the tax, penalty or interest shown in
23 a filed return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty,
24 or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the
25 Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the
26 requirements of any such tax Act are satisfied.

 

 

HB0880 - 22 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96; 90-61, eff. 12-30-97.)
 
2     (225 ILCS 745/70)
3     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
4     Sec. 70. Fees.
5     (a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the fees for the
6 administration and enforcement of this Act, including but not
7 limited to original licensure or enrollment, renewal, and
8 restoration fees, shall be set by the Department by rule. The
9 fees shall not be refundable.
10     (b) Applicants for examination shall be required to pay,
11 either to the Department or the designated testing service, a
12 fee covering the cost of initial screening to determine
13 eligibility and the cost of providing the examination. Failure
14 to appear for the examination on the scheduled date at the time
15 and place specified after the applicant's application for
16 examination has been received and acknowledged by the
17 Department or the designated testing service shall result in
18 the forfeiture of the examination fee.
19     (c) All fees and other monies collected under this Act
20 shall be deposited in the General Professions Dedicated Fund.
21 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
22     (225 ILCS 745/75)
23     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
24     Sec. 75. Returned checks; fines. Any person who delivers a

 

 

HB0880 - 23 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 check or other payment to the Department that is returned to
2 the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which
3 it is drawn shall pay to the Department, in addition to the
4 amount already owed to the Department, a fine of $50. The fines
5 imposed by this Section are in addition to any other discipline
6 provided under this Act for unlicensed or unenrolled practice
7 or practice on a nonrenewed license or certificate of
8 enrollment. The Department shall notify the person that payment
9 of fees and fines shall be paid to the Department by certified
10 check or money order within 30 calendar days of the
11 notification. If, after the expiration of 30 days from the date
12 of the notification, the person has failed to submit the
13 necessary remittance, the Department shall automatically
14 terminate the license or certificate of enrollment or deny the
15 application, without hearing. If, after termination or denial,
16 the person seeks a license or certificate of enrollment, he or
17 she shall apply to the Department for restoration or issuance
18 of the license or certificate of enrollment and pay all fees
19 and fines due to the Department. The Department may establish a
20 fee for the processing of an application for restoration of a
21 license or certificate of enrollment to pay all expenses of
22 processing this application. The Director may waive the fines
23 due under this Section in individual cases where the Director
24 finds that the fines would be unreasonable or unnecessarily
25 burdensome.
26 (Source: P.A. 92-146, eff. 1-1-02.)
 

 

 

HB0880 - 24 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     (225 ILCS 745/80)
2     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
3     Sec. 80. Disciplinary actions.
4     (a) The Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may
5 revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, or take other
6 disciplinary action as the Department may deem appropriate,
7 including fines not to exceed $5,000 for each violation, with
8 regard to any license or certificate of enrollment for any one
9 or combination of the following:
10         (1) Material misstatement in furnishing information to
11     the Department.
12         (2) Violations of this Act, or of the rules promulgated
13     under this Act.
14         (3) Conviction of any crime under the laws of the
15     United States or any state or territory of the United
16     States that is a felony or that is a misdemeanor, an
17     essential element of which is dishonesty, or of any crime
18     that is directly related to the practice of the profession.
19         (4) Making any misrepresentation for the purpose of
20     obtaining licensure or enrollment or violating any
21     provision of this Act or the rules promulgated under this
22     Act pertaining to advertising.
23         (5) Professional incompetence.
24         (6) Gross malpractice.
25         (7) Aiding or assisting another person in violating any

 

 

HB0880 - 25 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     provision of this Act or rules promulgated under this Act.
2         (8) Failing, within 60 days, to provide information in
3     response to a written request made by the Department.
4         (9) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or
5     unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive,
6     defraud, or harm the public.
7         (10) Habitual or excessive use or addiction to alcohol,
8     narcotics, stimulants, or any other chemical agent or drug
9     that results in the inability to practice with reasonable
10     judgment, skill, or safety.
11         (11) Discipline by another state, District of
12     Columbia, territory, or foreign nation, if at least one of
13     the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially
14     equivalent to those set forth in this Section.
15         (12) Directly or indirectly giving to or receiving from
16     any person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association
17     any fee, commission, rebate or other form of compensation
18     for professional services not actually or personally
19     rendered.
20         (13) A finding by the Department that the licensee or
21     enrollee, after having his or her license or certificate of
22     enrollment placed on probationary status, has violated the
23     terms of probation.
24         (14) Willfully making or filing false records or
25     reports in his or her practice, including but not limited
26     to, false records filed with State agencies or departments.

 

 

HB0880 - 26 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1         (15) Physical illness, including but not limited to,
2     deterioration through the aging process, or loss of motor
3     skill that results in the inability to practice the
4     profession with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety.
5         (16) Solicitation of professional services other than
6     permitted advertising.
7         (17) Conviction of or cash compromise of a charge or
8     violation of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act
9     regulating narcotics.
10         (18) Failure to (i) file a return, (ii) pay the tax,
11     penalty, or interest shown in a filed return, or (iii) pay
12     any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest, as
13     required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois
14     Department of Revenue, until the requirements of that tax
15     Act are satisfied.
16         (19) Conviction by any court of competent
17     jurisdiction, either within or outside this State, of any
18     violation of any law governing the practice of professional
19     geology, if the Department determines, after
20     investigation, that the person has not been sufficiently
21     rehabilitated to warrant the public trust.
22         (20) Gross, willful, or continued overcharging for
23     professional services, including filing false statements
24     for collection of fees for which services are not rendered.
25         (21) Practicing under a false or, except as provided by
26     law, an assumed name.

 

 

HB0880 - 27 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1         (22) Fraud or misrepresentation in applying for, or
2     procuring, a license or certificate of enrollment under
3     this Act or in connection with applying for renewal of a
4     license or certificate of enrollment under this Act.
5         (23) Cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing
6     or enrollment examination administered under this Act.
7     (b) The determination by a circuit court that a licensee or
8 enrollee is subject to involuntary admission or judicial
9 admission as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental
10 Disabilities Code operates as an automatic suspension. The
11 suspension will end only upon a finding by a court that the
12 licensee or enrollee is no longer subject to the involuntary
13 admission or judicial admission and issues an order so finding
14 and discharging the licensee or enrollee; and upon the
15 recommendation of the Board to the Director that the licensee
16 or enrollee be allowed to resume his or her practice.
17 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
18     (225 ILCS 745/85)
19     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
20     Sec. 85. Injunctive action; cease and desist order.
21     (a) If any person violates the provisions of this Act, the
22 Director, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois,
23 through the Attorney General or the State's Attorney of the
24 county in which the violation is alleged to have occurred, may
25 petition for an order enjoining the violation or for an order

 

 

HB0880 - 28 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 enforcing compliance with this Act. Upon the filing of a
2 verified petition, the court with appropriate jurisdiction may
3 issue a temporary restraining order, without notice or bond,
4 and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin the violation. If
5 it is established that the person has violated or is violating
6 the injunction, the court may punish the offender for contempt
7 of court. Proceedings under this Section are in addition to,
8 and not in lieu of, all other remedies and penalties provided
9 by this Act.
10     (b) If a person practices as a Licensed Professional
11 Geologist licensed professional geologist or holds himself or
12 herself out as a Licensed Professional Geologist licensed
13 professional geologist in Illinois, without being licensed to
14 do so under this Act, then any Licensed Professional Geologist
15 licensed professional geologist, interested party, or any
16 person injured thereby may petition for relief as provided in
17 subsection (a) of this Section.
18     (c) Whenever, in the opinion of the Department, a person
19 violates any provision of this Act, the Department may issue a
20 rule to show cause why an order to cease and desist should not
21 be entered against that person. The rule shall clearly set
22 forth the grounds relied upon by the Department and shall allow
23 at least 7 days from the date of the rule to file an answer
24 satisfactory to the Department. Failure to answer to the
25 satisfaction of the Department shall cause an order to cease
26 and desist to be issued.

 

 

HB0880 - 29 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
2     (225 ILCS 745/90)
3     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
4     Sec. 90. Investigations; notice and hearing. The
5 Department may investigate the actions of any applicant or of
6 any person or persons rendering or offering to render
7 geological services or any person holding or claiming to hold a
8 license as a Licensed Professional Geologist licensed
9 professional geologist. The Department shall, before revoking,
10 suspending, placing on probation, reprimanding, or taking any
11 other disciplinary action under Section 80 of this Act, at
12 least 30 days before the date set for the hearing, (i) notify
13 the accused in writing of the charges made and the time and
14 place for the hearing on the charges, (ii) direct him or her to
15 file a written answer to the charges with the Board under oath
16 within 20 days after the service on him or her of the notice,
17 and (iii) inform the accused that, if he or she fails to
18 answer, default will be taken against him or her or that his or
19 her license may be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary
20 status, or other disciplinary action taken with regard to the
21 license, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of his
22 or her practice, as the Department may consider proper. At the
23 time and place fixed in the notice, the Board shall proceed to
24 hear the charges and the parties or their counsel shall be
25 accorded ample opportunity to present any pertinent

 

 

HB0880 - 30 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 statements, testimony, evidence, and arguments. The Board may
2 continue the hearing from time to time. In case the person,
3 after receiving the notice, fails to file an answer, his or her
4 license may, in the discretion of the Department, be suspended,
5 revoked, placed on probationary status, or the Department may
6 take whatever disciplinary action considered proper, including
7 limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice
8 or the imposition of a fine, without a hearing, if the act or
9 acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for that action
10 under this Act. The written notice may be served by personal
11 delivery or by certified mail to the address specified by the
12 accused in his or her last notification with the Department.
13 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
14     (225 ILCS 745/105)
15     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
16     Sec. 105. Compelling testimony. Any circuit court, upon
17 application of the Department, designated hearing officer, or
18 the applicant, or licensee, or enrollee against whom
19 proceedings under Section 80 of this Act are pending, may enter
20 an order requiring the attendance of witnesses and their
21 testimony, and the production of documents, papers, files,
22 books, and records in connection with any hearing or
23 investigation. The court may compel obedience to its order by
24 proceedings for contempt.
25 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 

 

 

HB0880 - 31 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     (225 ILCS 745/110)
2     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
3     Sec. 110. Findings and recommendations. At the conclusion
4 of the hearing, the Board shall present to the Director a
5 written report of its findings of fact, conclusions of law, and
6 recommendations. The report shall contain a finding whether or
7 not the accused person violated this Act or its rules or failed
8 to comply with the conditions required in this Act or its
9 rules. The Board shall specify the nature of any violations or
10 failure to comply and shall make its recommendations to the
11 Director. In making recommendations for any disciplinary
12 actions, the Board may take into consideration all facts and
13 circumstances bearing upon the reasonableness of the conduct of
14 the accused and the potential for future harm to the public,
15 including but not limited to previous discipline of the accused
16 by the Department, intent, degree of harm to the public and
17 likelihood of harm in the future, any restitution made by the
18 accused, and whether the incident or incidents contained in the
19 complaint appear to be isolated or represent a continuing
20 pattern of conduct. In making its recommendations for
21 discipline, the Board shall endeavor to ensure that the
22 severity of the discipline recommended is reasonably related to
23 the severity of the violation.
24     The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and
25 recommendation of the Board shall be the basis for the

 

 

HB0880 - 32 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 Department's order refusing to issue, restore, or renew a
2 license or certificate of enrollment, or otherwise
3 disciplining a licensee or enrollee. If the Director disagrees
4 with the recommendations of the Board, the Director may issue
5 an order in contravention of the Board recommendations. The
6 Director shall provide a written report to the Board on any
7 disagreement and shall specify the reasons for the action in
8 the final order. The finding is not admissible in evidence
9 against the person in a criminal prosecution brought for a
10 violation of this Act, but the hearing and finding are not a
11 bar to a criminal prosecution brought for a violation of this
12 Act.
13 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
14     (225 ILCS 745/115)
15     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
16     Sec. 115. Board; rehearing. At the conclusion of the
17 hearing, a copy of the Board's report shall be served upon the
18 applicant, or licensee, or enrollee by the Department, either
19 personally or as provided in this Act for the service of a
20 notice of hearing. Within 20 days after service, the applicant,
21 or licensee, or enrollee may present to the Department a motion
22 in writing for a rehearing, which shall specify the particular
23 grounds for rehearing. The Department may respond to the motion
24 for rehearing within 20 days after its service on the
25 Department. If no motion for rehearing is filed, then upon the

 

 

HB0880 - 33 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 expiration of the time specified for filing such a motion, or
2 if a motion for rehearing is denied, then upon denial, the
3 Director may enter an order in accordance with recommendations
4 of the Board except as provided in Section 120 of this Act. If
5 the applicant, or licensee, or enrollee orders from the
6 reporting service and pays for a transcript of the record
7 within the time for filing a motion for rehearing, the 20-day
8 period within which a motion may be filed shall commence upon
9 the delivery of the transcript to the applicant, or licensee,
10 or enrollee.
11 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
12     (225 ILCS 745/120)
13     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
14     Sec. 120. Director; rehearing. Whenever the Director
15 believes that justice has not been done in the revocation,
16 suspension, or refusal to issue, restore, or renew a license or
17 certificate of enrollment, or other discipline of an applicant,
18 or licensee, or enrollee he or she may order a rehearing by the
19 same or other examiners.
20 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
21     (225 ILCS 745/125)
22     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
23     Sec. 125. Appointment of a hearing officer. The Director
24 has the authority to appoint any attorney licensed to practice

 

 

HB0880 - 34 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 law in the State of Illinois to serve as the hearing officer in
2 any action for refusal to issue, restore, or renew a license or
3 certificate of enrollment or to discipline a licensee or
4 enrollee. The hearing officer has full authority to conduct the
5 hearing. At least one member of the Board shall attend each
6 hearing. The hearing officer shall report his or her findings
7 of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations to the Board
8 and the Director. The Board shall have 60 calendar days from
9 receipt of the report to review the report of the hearing
10 officer and present its findings of fact, conclusions of law,
11 and recommendations to the Director. If the Board does not
12 present its report within the 60-day period, the Director may
13 issue an order based on the report of the hearing officer. If
14 the Director disagrees with the recommendation of the Board or
15 of the hearing officer, the Director may issue an order in
16 contravention of the recommendation. The Director shall
17 promptly provide a written report to the Board on any
18 deviation, and shall specify the reasons for the action in the
19 final order.
20 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
21     (225 ILCS 745/135)
22     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
23     Sec. 135. Restoration of suspended or revoked license. At
24 any time after the suspension or revocation of a license or
25 certificate of enrollment, the Department may restore it to the

 

 

HB0880 - 35 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 licensee or enrollee, upon the written recommendation of the
2 Board, unless after an investigation and a hearing the Board
3 determines that restoration is not in the public interest.
4 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
5     (225 ILCS 745/140)
6     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
7     Sec. 140. Surrender of license. Upon the revocation or
8 suspension of a license or certificate of enrollment, the
9 licensee or enrollee shall immediately surrender his or her
10 license or certificate of enrollment to the Department. If the
11 licensee or enrollee fails to do so, the Department has the
12 right to seize the license or certificate of enrollment.
13 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
14     (225 ILCS 745/145)
15     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
16     Sec. 145. Summary suspension of a license. The Director may
17 summarily suspend the license of a Licensed Professional
18 Geologist licensed professional geologist without a hearing,
19 simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a
20 hearing provided for in Section 90 of this Act, if the Director
21 finds that evidence in the Director's possession indicates that
22 the continuation of practice by a Licensed Professional
23 Geologist licensed professional geologist would constitute an
24 imminent danger to the public. In the event that the Director

 

 

HB0880 - 36 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 summarily suspends the license of a Licensed Professional
2 Geologist licensed professional geologist without a hearing, a
3 hearing must be commenced within 30 days after the suspension
4 has occurred and concluded as expeditiously as practical.
5 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
6     (225 ILCS 745/160)
7     (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2016)
8     Sec. 160. Violations.
9     (a) Using or attempting to use an expired license is a
10 Class A misdemeanor.
11     (b) Each of the following acts is a Class A misdemeanor for
12 the first offense and a Class 4 felony for a second or
13 subsequent offense:
14         (1) A violation of any provision of this Act or its
15     rules, except as noted in subsection (a) of this Section.
16         (2) The making of any wilfully false oath or
17     affirmation in any matter or proceeding where an oath or
18     affirmation is required by this Act.
19         (3) Using or attempting to use an inactive, suspended,
20     or revoked license or the license or seal of another, or
21     impersonating another licensee, or practicing geology as a
22     Licensed Professional Geologist licensed professional
23     geologist in Illinois while one's license is inactive,
24     suspended, or revoked.
25         (4) The practice, attempt to practice, or offer to

 

 

HB0880 - 37 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     practice professional geology in Illinois without a
2     license as a Licensed Professional Geologist licensed
3     professional geologist. Each day of practicing
4     professional geology or attempting to practice
5     professional geology, and each instance of offering to
6     practice professional geology, without a license as a
7     Licensed Professional Geologist licensed professional
8     geologist constitutes a separate offense.
9         (5) Advertising or displaying any sign or card or other
10     device that might indicate to the public that the person or
11     entity is entitled to practice as a Licensed Professional
12     Geologist licensed professional geologist, unless that
13     person holds an active license as a Licensed Professional
14     Geologist licensed professional geologist in the State of
15     Illinois.
16         (6) Obtaining or attempting to obtain a license by
17     fraud.
18 (Source: P.A. 89-366, eff. 7-1-96.)
 
19     Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
20 becoming law.

 

 

HB0880 - 38 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1 INDEX
2 Statutes amended in order of appearance
3     225 ILCS 745/15
4     225 ILCS 745/17 new
5     225 ILCS 745/20
6     225 ILCS 745/25
7     225 ILCS 745/30
8     225 ILCS 745/35
9     225 ILCS 745/40
10     225 ILCS 745/45
11     225 ILCS 745/50
12     225 ILCS 745/51 new
13     225 ILCS 745/60
14     225 ILCS 745/65
15     225 ILCS 745/70
16     225 ILCS 745/75
17     225 ILCS 745/80
18     225 ILCS 745/85
19     225 ILCS 745/90
20     225 ILCS 745/105
21     225 ILCS 745/110
22     225 ILCS 745/115
23     225 ILCS 745/120
24     225 ILCS 745/125
25     225 ILCS 745/135

 

 

HB0880 - 39 - LRB096 10402 ASK 20572 b

1     225 ILCS 745/140
2     225 ILCS 745/145
3     225 ILCS 745/160