50 by 2010 Licensure Campaign Reaches Milestone: 40 Practice Acts
New Hampshire Governor John Lynch signs new practice act.

Governor John Lynch (D) signed legislation on June 5 that creates a new practice act for the state of New Hampshire. Despite its “Live Free or Die” reputation, the state strongly supported the bill, including a unanimous vote for H.B. 1458 in the state’s House. The Granite State Landscape Architects (a section of the Boston ASLA chapter) fought back against a strong push by opponents in the Senate who wanted to gut the bill in favor of a study on the issue. Within days, the GSLA was able secure enough votes to keep the bill moving, securing a 15–7 vote in favor of the bill.

The new practice act will go into effect July 1, 2006. When the board of landscape architects is appointed, it will be responsible for developing the regulations for implementation of the law. Upon adoption of these rules, there is a one-year grandfather clause that allows individuals to apply to the board for licensure with “evidence satisfactory to the board of knowledge and experience equivalent to the requirements set forth in…[regular eligibility standards], and who meet the examination requirements.” The new law also establishes mandatory continuing education, requiring at least 30 hours for each biennial period. The law directs the board to identify the types of courses and activities that will qualify.