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MississippiHB 11502026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Licensure of land surveyors; merge into licensure of engineers.

Sponsored By: Lee Yancey (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Judiciary ABusiness and Financial InstitutionsAccountability, Efficiency, Transparency

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

13 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 5 costs, 6 mixed.

Stronger discipline, fines, and suspensions

The board can discipline people and firms for fraud, gross negligence, incompetence, misconduct, or practicing on an expired license. Fines are $100 to $5,000 per violation and can be collected in chancery court. Licenses may be suspended for child support noncompliance under state law. The board may put you on probation for up to one year or reissue a revoked license for cause. Charges must be sworn, and you get at least 30 days’ notice before a hearing.

Most changes start July 1, 2026

This law takes effect July 1, 2026. The changes above apply from that date.

Apply, seal, and keep your license

You must apply on board forms, swear to your education and experience, and give the required references. Your Social Security number must be on filings. Once licensed, you must get and use a board‑approved seal and cannot seal work if your license lapses. If your license is expired six months or more, you must reapply, pay back fees, and show continuing competency; after five years, the board may require a new exam.

Firms need certificates and pay higher fees

Companies that offer engineering or surveying must hold a certificate of authority and have a Mississippi‑licensed professional in responsible charge. The board can charge up to $350 for a one‑year certificate or $700 for two years; renewals have the same caps, with a 10% per‑month late penalty. The Secretary of State will not approve names using “engineer” or “surveyor” without proof from the board. Firms remain liable for their agents’ work, and individuals stay responsible for their own services.

Higher license fees and late penalties

Applying for a professional license can cost up to $150; intern enrollment up to $50. You also pay the actual exam cost when scheduled. Renewal caps are up to $100 for a one‑year or $200 for a two‑year single license; holders of both licenses pay up to $150 or $300. Late renewals add 10% per month, up to five times the normal fee. The board must give at least one month’s notice before expiration.

Engineers and surveyors must be licensed

The law requires a state license to practice or offer engineering or surveying. It also spells out what counts as engineering work and what counts as surveying work. Some surveys that support engineered projects are treated as engineering. Boundary, mapping, and land data work are surveying.

Paths to become a licensed engineer or surveyor

To enroll as an engineer or surveyor intern, you must complete listed education and pass a fundamentals exam. To get a license, engineers need a board‑approved degree, four years of experience, and exams; surveyors have several degree‑plus‑experience paths and must pass exams. The board can credit some graduate study for engineers. The board can license by reciprocity and can consider international engineering accords. All applicants must be of good character.

Workers exempt from licensing rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, some work does not require an engineering or surveying license. Employees may work under a licensed professional’s responsibility if they do not make final designs or decisions. U.S. government engineers, regular employees of manufacturers and industrial firms doing internal work under limits, and public utility employees are exempt. People who operate or maintain machinery, and work done for lawsuits, are also exempt. The board can add task-specific exemptions by rule.

Surveyors get limited trespass protection

Beginning July 1, 2026, licensed surveyors acting under the surveying law are exempt from certain trespass misdemeanors. This includes entering enclosed land, general trespass, and remaining after being told to leave, when acting as authorized. Other criminal laws still apply.

County surveyors must be licensed

Beginning July 1, 2026, each county’s surveyor must hold a Mississippi land surveyor license. A historic exception remains for anyone who held the office on December 31, 1983. The statute keeps the original January 1, 1984 start date in the text.

Criminal penalties for unlicensed engineering or surveying

Beginning July 1, 2026, it is a crime to practice or offer engineering or surveying without a license. You also cannot use protected titles like “engineer” or “professional surveyor” unless you are licensed. Using another person’s license or seal, giving false proof to the board, or impersonating a licensee is also illegal. Penalties include a $100 to $5,000 fine, payment of investigative and court costs, up to three months in jail, or both.

New board makeup, funding, and records

The licensing board has six engineers and three surveyors, appointed from nominee lists and representing each Supreme Court district. Members must be at least 35, be U.S. citizens, and have lived in Mississippi for five years. The board meets at least four times a year, keeps a biennial roster, and files an annual report by March 15. It runs a dedicated state fund, hires staff, and bonds key officers. Members have legal immunity for official acts, and substitutes may serve to reach a hearing quorum.

Surveyors added to related legal rules

Surveying licensed under the board is not counted as practicing geology. For construction lien law, “professional surveyor” uses the board’s definition. “Design professional” now includes professional surveyors. These definitional changes take effect July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lee Yancey

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 407 • No: 2

House vote • 3/25/2026

Concurred in Amend From Senate

Yes: 122 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 50 • No: 1

House vote • 2/11/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 117 • No: 0

House vote • 2/10/2026

Passed As Amended

Yes: 118 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    4/6/2026legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/27/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/27/2026House

  4. Concurred in Amend From Senate

    3/25/2026House

  5. Returned For Concurrence

    3/13/2026Senate

  6. Passed As Amended

    3/11/2026Senate

  7. Amended

    3/11/2026Senate

  8. Title Suff Do Pass As Amended

    2/27/2026Senate

  9. DR - TSDPAA: BF To AC

    2/26/2026Senate

  10. Referred To Business and Financial Institutions;Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency

    2/19/2026Senate

  11. Transmitted To Senate

    2/13/2026House

  12. Passed As Amended

    2/11/2026House

  13. Amended

    2/11/2026House

  14. Reconsidered

    2/11/2026House

  15. Motion to Reconsider Entered (Yancey, Hood, Yates)

    2/10/2026House

  16. Passed As Amended

    2/10/2026House

  17. Amended

    2/10/2026House

  18. Committee Substitute Adopted

    2/10/2026House

  19. Title Suff Do Pass Comm Sub

    2/2/2026House

  20. Referred To Judiciary A

    1/19/2026House

Bill Text

  • Amendment No 1 (Cmte Sub) (Adopted)

    HTMLPDF

  • Amendment No 1 to Committee Amendment No 1 (Adopted)

    HTMLPDF

  • Amendment No 2 (Cmte Sub) (Adopted)

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  • Amendment No 2 to Committee Amendment No 1 (Lost)

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  • As Introduced

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  • As Passed

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  • Committee Amendment No 1 (Adopted)

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  • Committee Substitute

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  • Enrolled

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