Bill to regulate architects tabled on Friday but could be debated today
A bill designed to enhance the oversight and regulation of architects was tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday.The Architects Act 2011 would replace the Architects Registration Council with a board. It also sets out a regulatory regime to protect local qualified architects.A register of professionals would be maintained by the Registrar General and the board would be empowered to establish and publish a code of professional conduct.Minister of the Environment Walter Roban did not detail the bill when he tabled it in the House.According to Shawn Crockwell of the One Bermuda Alliance, it could be debated today, Monday July 25.“Government has indicated that they want to proceed with The Architects Act 2011. However, it was just laid on Friday and we have not decided if we will agree to debate this order on such short notice,” he said yesterday.“Because the bill hasn’t been laid for the minimum period of seven days the Minister must have our agreement in order to debate it on Monday.“If we object then it should not be allowed to be debated. If we object this could force the Government to sit for an additional session before rising for the summer recess.”Mr Crockwell said his party colleague Cole Simons will deal with the Bill for the OBA and is consulting with architects to get their feedback.