Technology is here, not somewhere off in the future.  In my 25 years of surveying, I ran into a few people.  The MOST DANGEROUS ones were the ones that knew it all.  They would never admit a mistake, and eventually cost the project in budget and time.  I am not so sure that, since the education process was stopped by themselves, that they did not know when the mistake was made.  Eight hours a year is an extremely minimum requirement.  NC has 15 per year.  Does it make a difference??  Damn right it does.  For the future of the profession, and all the regulated professions, it is absolutely necessary to continue the learning process, even if it is a refresher for some folks.  This is the right way, as evidenced by many other states in the country.  We are no different or better, but without continuing education, we will definitely be behind the curve.  Vote for continuing education.