Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the public health, safety, and welfare implications of licensure of design professionals.

Legislative Summary: H.CON. RES. 47

Overview

H.CON. RES. 47 is a concurrent resolution expressing the "sense of Congress" regarding the critical importance of professional licensure for design professionals. Unlike a standard bill, a concurrent resolution of this type does not create new laws or mandates; rather, it serves as a formal statement of the legislative body's opinion and position on a specific issue.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this resolution is to advocate for the continued requirement of professional licensure for design occupations—specifically architecture, engineering, surveying, and mapping.

The resolution argues that these licenses are not merely "regulatory hurdles" or barriers to market entry, but are essential safeguards that protect public health, safety, and general welfare. The resolution is specifically responding to a trend in several states to reduce or eliminate licensure requirements for various occupations in an effort to increase competition and reduce overregulation.

Key Provisions and Arguments

The resolution bases its position on several historical and safety-driven justifications:

• Historical Precedent: It highlights the long-standing tradition of state licensing, noting the first laws passed in California (surveying, 1891), Illinois (architecture, 1897), and Wyoming (engineering, 1907).
• Safety Records: It cites the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and a previous Congressional report (Structural Failures in Public Facilities) to illustrate that when licensed professionals are not utilized, the risk of catastrophic structural and system failures increases.
• Critical Infrastructure: It emphasizes that these professionals are essential for the research, planning, and maintenance of the nation's physical infrastructure and the development of critical materials, which directly impact national security and economic prosperity.

Who is Affected?

While this resolution does not change federal law, it signals a policy preference that could influence:
* State Legislators: By urging states to maintain strict licensure standards regardless of general "deregulation" trends.
* Design Professionals: Architects, engineers, surveyors, and mappers whose professional standing and job requirements are tied to state licensure.
* Public Infrastructure Projects: The resolution suggests that public construction projects should be furnished by qualified, licensed professionals to ensure safety.

Procedural Status

• Submitted: September 4, 2025
• Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
• Sponsors: Co-sponsored by Rep. John Joyce.