HGS Texas Registration Update

(Published in the March, 2002 issue of the HGS Bulletin)
by Dave Rensink Apache Corp Houston, Texas
As we first reported last September, geoscientists who “practice for the public” will need a license from the state of Texas by September 1, 2003. The license will be granted by a licensing board. Eight of the nine members of this geosciences licensing board have now been appointed by Governor Perry. These include the six geoscience members and two of the three public members. Over 30 geoscientists from around the state applied for the six geoscience positions. The board members appointed thus far are: Kevin Coleman, engineering geologist/hydrogeologist from Dallas; Ed Miller, engineering geologist/hydrogeologist from San Antonio; Shiela Hall, environmental geologist from Lubbock; Kelly Krenz Doe, environmental geologist from Friendswood; Gordon Ware, environmental geologist from Corpus Christi; Murray Milford, soil scientist from Bryan; Rene Pena, CPA from El Paso; and Kimberly Robinson, attorney from Houston. The final public position was still unfilled at the start of the year.
The immediate task of the board is two-fold: they must establish the rules and regulations that will govern the application of the provisions of the act; and they must establish the administrative functions that will implement the act including the costs. This means hiring a director and staff, acquiring office space and setting up the computer network and web site so that applications can be taken beginning September 1, 2002. The grandfathering period will begin at that time and will close on September 1, 2003. The full text of the act can be found on the legislative web site at www.capitol.state.tx.us and referencing SB 405.