AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- ARCHITECTS

This bill updates the registration requirements for architecture firms and individual architects in Rhode Island. It clarifies that individual architects must maintain valid registration certificates that expire every two years and require renewal fees, with additional requirements if renewal is late. For architecture firms, the bill establishes specific ownership rules requiring two-thirds of leadership to be registered in any state or reciprocal jurisdiction and one-third to be registered in Rhode Island. The legislation also mandates that firms obtain a certificate of authorization from the state board, which must be renewed biennially and requires firms to report changes in ownership or leadership within 30 days. A transition period through 2027 allows existing firms to maintain their current authorizations until they undergo structural changes or leadership transitions.