OK, let's look at both sides of the fence after we address the state of our industry.

There is much work available and not enough professionals available to handle it all in a timely manner.  Clients that need our services do not respect or understand what we do, nor do they care how long it may actually take to do it properly.  Their concern is $.  There is an industry shortage of human resources.  Young future professionals are not pursueing architecture and engineering as they once were, but that is also a different issue.  But specifically in the electrical discipline, most went into the computer and electronics fields for years, widening a gap in the power consulting industry that needs to be filled soon.  The older and wiser professionals have been abused for too long and are nearing retirement (or unfortunately came to their demise before they could shake off the stress placed on them for years).  In short, our profession has lost respect over the last 30 or so years (I have only been enjoying this career for 10 years, but have noticed it within that time period).

On the side of the fence FOR CE in VA:  1-Apparently there has been some problem that this is addressing, please enlighten the community.  2-All of the other states are doing it, we should, too.  3-I do believe that everyone will benefit to some degree of CE in VA, but only if they allow themselves.  Not if they are forced to take mandatory education.  4-The ethics and integrity of our fellow VA Professionals needs to be regulated by the state.  5-The proposed requirements are less than most states.

On the side of the fence AGAINST CE in VA:  1-Professionals are perfect and we don't need any more education.  2-We'll pay for any mistakes that we make (we are already paying one way or another whether the mistake was ours).  3-Who is eventually going to foot the bill to monitor the red tape?  The taxpayer?  The professionals?  Both?  4-The state has already shown in the verbage that it is not following standard terms such as pdh (Professional Development Hours where 1 pdh = 50 minutes) or CEU (Continuing Education Unit where 10 pdh = 1.0 CEU) that most other states have adopted.  5-Most companies will need to increase their fees to cover these courses where the free ones will be less and less available so that someone else can make a profit off of our industry.  6-Will the reviewers of the red tape be qualified?  What is that criteria?

Apologize for the sarcasm sprinkled throughout, but I think I can see clearly that I am leaning AGAINST CE in VA as it is being proposed currently by the Board.