The State of Texas now requires that new and existing Architectural license holders get criminal background checks. As a result they require that you get fingerprinted and send your fingerprint card into a security company (vendor) who conducts the investigation. I believe this is the first state to require this. I have 35 state licenses that I carry. God forbid other states follow suit. If I were to have to secure 35 seperate fingerprint cards (over $60 in fees) it would be a tremendously onerous burden to the profession. The AIA should work to keep this kind of regulatory practice out of our profession.
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James Draheim AIA
President
Dewberry Architects, Inc.
Fairfax VA
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