TX PEs-FD 258/fingerprints 4

[WWTEng]

Question for TX PEs. As you know, as of this year TX is requiring fingerprints taken and sent to them. I have already found a couple of problems filling out their forms but I am now confused about the actual figner prints. Its not clear to me if I can order a FD-258 form and make my prints at home and mail it out along with other documents OR do I actually have to go to the local police station for them to do the prints. Going to the police station is just tedious as there is a wait time, and they do it only a couple days a week at the most inconvenient time (like 10 or 11 am). I much rather make the prints myself at home, if allowed.

So if you already went thru the process, please share your experience. Thank you.

FYI-I live in IL.

 

[JedClampett]

Get drunk and get in a fight with a policeman. That way you can get your fingerprints for free and at your convenience.

 

[Archie264]

Did the governing entity give a reason for requiring fingerprints for licensure? Is it to correct/prevent fraud? Has this been a problem? Otherwise it sounds like a bit of an overreach, in my opinion.

 

[JAE]

I just got into it - I don't see where you can do your prints at home.

You first have to print out and fill in the FAST form.
Then go to the identogo.com site and register - they give you a RegID number and you enter it onto the FAST form.

You have to go to one of the designated places (for in state) or go to a local sherriff's office to have the card done.
Then you take the card with the fingerprints and mail it in with the FAST form.

 

[JedClampett]

It's Texas, for pity's sake. They don't want anyone with a criminal record practicing engineering. But they can run for governor.
It's all politics. A company running a screening program gets someone to sponsor this legislation. And who's for criminals practicing engineering?
FYI, I'm licensed in Texas, so I have to be subject to this for my next renewal cycle. Luckily, that isn't until December so I can watch and observe.
Next we'll be subject to random drug testing.

 

[JStephen]

Okay, my theory. They've legalized pot in Colorado and a couple of other places. That's destroying the market for pot smuggling. So the Mexican cartels are having to branch out into other illicit activities. And rogue professional engineering is one of them. So if you ask somebody "what's the stress in that beam anyway?" and they wink and say "What would you LIKE it to be?"- well, watch out.

 

[nutte]

Jed, your suspicions match mine. It's an easy sell, solving a problem that doesn't exist. In this case, there is one company that is contracted to do all of these background checks. How many thousands of engineers are licensed in Texas? How would you like to have that guaranteed business for 2014?

 

[Archie264]

Without an explanation for why they need fingerprints it sure sounds like an overreach to me. My $.02 worth.

 

[JedClampett]

Explanation:
Earlier this year, the Texas legislature passed a change to the Texas Engineering Practice Act that requires all active PEs to have a Criminal History Record Check prior to renewing his/her license in 2014. This requirement was a result of standard licensing model recommendations by the Sunset Commission, and is similar to requirements for other professions in Texas. The Board has worked diligently with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and its state-selected vendor, MorphoTrust, to develop the process. The procedures to complete the CHRC are now in place and you can register to set up an appointment to complete this requirement at any time. For instructions on how to complete the CHRC and for additional information, go to

http://engineers.texas.gov/recordcheck.html.

It sounds to my suspicious self like MorphoTrust just got about 50,000 new customers.

 

[Archie264]

Well, I asked for an explanation and I got it. Thanks Jed. I think your explanation is more likely, though...

 

[chrislaope]

One question:

Does anybody know: is this fingerprints check one time deal (through whole profession life) or it has to be done every year (every renewal)?

Thanks.

 

[JedClampett]

One time deal, unless your fingerprints change.

 

[nutte]

Does anybody know if any other state does this, even for new applicants?

 

[JedClampett]

I'm registered in nine states and Texas is the first I know about. But I'm not going to be surprised if other states join the crazy bandwagon and start requiring them. And each will have its own little quirks to make the process as inefficient as possible.
It's like the question on child support. One state starts it and other states need to join in to show they're just as tough on scofflaws as the next.

 

[JStephen]

I'm registered in 20-something states and it's a new one on me.

 

[dhengr]

Isn’t part of the idea that the thumb/finger print will ultimately become our signature and pin number. Get us in the building, prove we are who we say we are, etc. As for checking if you’ve paid your child support or are a criminal, this same thing should certainly apply to all the people in the legislature, since there are more of those types per cubic meter, in the government business institutions than any other institution.

 

[dtex]

Hmmmm. Maybe I'll apply for a PE license in Texas. Just to be safe, I can send them a large urin sample to go with the prints. You know... just get it out of the way now rather than wait for the regulations to be updated.

"Fingerprints" just to practice engineering??? Kind of reminds me of that state that once tried to pass legislation declaring the value of pi to be something other than the actual value of pi.

What is the world coming to? LOL

Dan

 

[IFRs]

I visited my local police station, paid my $25, filled in the TX form and sent it in. Easy and fast. I got an extra set for myself and put them in a safe box for the next state. I could rant all day about local, state and federal political hacks ( including those in the legal system ) but that's for another forum.

 

[msquared48]

I'm surprised. Like Nevada, I thought that most people in Texas did not have fingerprints.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[racookpe1978]

GA screwed up a whole bunch of registrations with their "prove-you-are-a-citizen-to register" process ... Then was unable to process the paperwork everybody had to submit to qualify with the new law.

Yes - The Moto-Photo people sold this idea to the legislature.

Leastwise GA only charges 35.00 per registration, and that good for two years. TX charges 200.00 + 35.00 for the registration, every year. (Except for lawyer registration. That's still only 35.00 dollars. Because most legislaturees writing the legislation for the lawmakers are lawyers.)

Mine will be due around Sept 30, I'll need to do the out-of-state go-to-the local police dept routine.