WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 512

ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS – Amends existing law to provide for the Idaho Board of Licensure of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors to determine and administer an appropriate open book jurisprudence exam for the licensing of surveyors.

68th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

Idaho authorizes the surveyor licensing board to create and administer open-book jurisprudence exams for professional surveyor licensure candidates.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 11, 2026 Session Law Chapter 18 Effective: 07/01/2026
#landuse #licensesandpermits #occupationalandprofessionallicenses #surveyingandsurveyors #professions
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 512

Legislative bill overview

H 512 amends Idaho law to authorize the Board of Licensure of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors to create and administer an open-book jurisprudence exam for surveyor licensing. Currently, the law does not explicitly provide the board with authority to offer this type of exam format for surveyors, though such exams may exist for other professions.

Why is this important

Jurisprudence exams test knowledge of laws, regulations, and ethical standards specific to a profession. An open-book format allows test-takers to reference materials during the exam rather than relying solely on memory. This change could make surveyor licensing more accessible and practical by focusing on application of knowledge rather than memorization, potentially affecting how many people can successfully enter the surveying profession in Idaho.

Potential points of contention

  • Exam rigor and standards: Critics may argue that open-book exams lower professional standards or fail to adequately test competency compared to closed-book formats, particularly for a profession handling property boundary determinations.
  • Fairness and consistency: Questions about whether open-book exams create unequal testing conditions—some test-takers may have better reference materials or organizational systems than others.
  • Board discretion: The bill grants broad authority to the board to "determine and administer" the exam, which could raise concerns about whether sufficient legislative oversight or specific standards are defined.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.