SEAOC Advocacy
Advocacy Updates
This page provides updates on SEAOC’s advocacy activities, including legislative engagement,
regulatory developments, and policy issues affecting the structural engineering profession
and public safety. Check back frequently to access the latest information.
Recent Updates
SEAOC Letter of Support for AB 2106 (Patel, 2026)
Posted: April 21, 2026 ·Reform Member Protection
SEAOC submitted a letter of support for AB 2106 (Patel), a bill that would strengthen the existing certificate of merit requirement in professional negligence cases involving engineers and architects. The bill also requires that certifying expert would need to be named, credentialed, and licensed in the same discipline as the defendant and closes existing loopholes that currently allow attorneys to bypass the requirement altogether.
SEAOC Comments on Proposed Rule, "Reimagining and Improving Student Education"; RIN 1840-AD98 (34 §685.102(b) - Definitions of "Professional Student" and "Graduate Student
Posted: March 2, 2026 ·
Higher Education
Workforce
SEAOC and eight coalition partners filed public comment urging the U.S. Department of Education to broaden its proposed definition of "professional student" under 34 CFR § 685.102(b). The letter argues that limiting aid eligibility to a fixed list of degree titles would restrict access to graduate education in fields like structural engineering, professions that protect public health and face significant workforce shortages.
SEAOC Letter of Support for AB 1265 (Haney, 2025)
Submitted: January 7, 2026 ·
Tax Credits Building Preservation
SEAOC has submitted a letter of support for AB 1265 (Haney) in the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation. The bill extends and enhances the State Historic Tax Credit program, supporting the rehabilitation and continued use of historic structures while advancing broader housing and community goals.
SEAOC Response to Proposed Federal Definition of “Professional Degrees”
Posted: December 15, 2025 ·
Higher Education
Workforce
SEAOC issued a press release in response to a proposed U.S. Department of Education rule that would narrow eligibility
for higher federal student-loan limits to a small set of designated “professional degrees.” Engineering is not included
in the proposed list, which would reclassify engineering and other high-demand technical disciplines as “non-professional”
for financial-aid purposes.
SEAOC emphasized that structural engineering is a critical public-safety profession requiring advanced, rigorous education,
and that restricting access to necessary financial aid risks constraining the future engineering workforce—particularly for
first-generation, low-income, and historically underserved students. SEAOC will continue to monitor this issue and share
opportunities for engagement as the federal rulemaking process moves forward.
SEAOC Sustainable Design Committee Public Comments to CARB
Submitted: December 8, 2026 ·
Air Resources Board Embodied Carbon
The SEAOC Sustainable Design Committee reviewed the proposed language from the California Air Resources Board and submitted public comments. The committee opted to comment on the proposal for project reporting due to our available expertise on structural engineering, embodied carbon, and project delivery.
Get Involved
Advocacy is stronger when informed by practicing engineers. If you are interested in
supporting SEAOC’s advocacy work or providing technical input, we encourage you to connect with us.
Contact SEAOC