(JUNEAU) - House Bill 35, sponsored by Rep. Vic Kohring (R-Wasilla/Mat-Su) extending the Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, passed the Legislature today, as the House voted to concur with the Senate's version of the bill. The Board was set to expire this year, however the legislation extends its termination date until 2009.

The 11 member Board, all appointed by the Governor, oversees the Architect, Engineering and Land Surveying industry in Alaska, including issuing licenses and adopting and implementing regulations. "It has proven to serve a useful function, and I believe should be allowed to continue," said Kohring. He added, "The organization has been careful not to implement too many regulations that may hurt the industry, which I appreciate. Their functions should be kept to a minimum, to allow the industry to flourish with limited government oversight."

HB 35 awaits the Governor's signature.

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