Assembly Bill No. 531

Assembly Bill No. 531-Assemblyman Sandoval

CHAPTER

591

AN ACT relating to geology; defining "professional geologist" and "science of geology"; requiring that the director of the bureau of mines and geology be a professional geologist with expertise in the science of geology; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

[Approved July 16, 1997]

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

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Section 1. Chapter 514 of NRS is hereby amended by adding thereto the provisions set forth as sections 2, 3 and 4 of this act.
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in sections 3 and 4 of this act have the meaning ascribed to them in those sections.
Sec. 3. "Professional geologist" means a person who:
1. Possesses a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university with at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in the science of geology and has at least 5 years of experience in the science of geology, which may include no more than 2 years of postgraduate course work in the science of geology;
2. Has at least 12 years of experience in the science of geology, at least 3 years of which must have been completed under the supervision of a professional geologist; or
3. Is currently licensed or certified as a professional geologist:
(a) In another state; or
(b) By a national nonprofit geological organization with members in at least 10 states who are licensed or certified,
if the requirements for his current licensure or certification included requirements at least equal to those set forth in either subsection 1 or 2.
Sec. 4. "Science of geology" means the:
1. General study of the earth, including its origin, processes and history;
2. Collection and investigation of specimens of the constituent rocks, minerals, fossils, solids, mineralizing fluids, gasses and other materials of the earth that are located from the center of the core of the earth to the surface of the earth; and
3. Application of the knowledge set forth in subsections 1 and 2 for the benefit of the general public and the general welfare of this state.
Sec. 5. NRS 514.030 is hereby amended to read as follows:
514.0301. The board of regents of the University of Nevada shall appoint as director a competent scientist or engineer, to be known as the director of the bureau of mines and geology, who must be a [graduate] :
(a) Graduate of a recognized college or university with a degree in some branch of earth science or mineral engineering [, to be known as the director of the bureau of mines and geology.] ; and
(b) Professional geologist with expertise in the science of geology.
2. Upon the director's nomination, the board of regents of the University of Nevada shall employ such assistants and employees as the board deems necessary.
3. The board of regents of the University of Nevada may also determine the compensation of all persons employed by the bureau of mines and geology and may remove them at will.
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