House Bill No. by Representative Fontenot amends and reenacts several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning plumbing licenses, while also introducing new provisions. The bill modifies the authority of the State Plumbing Board, allowing it to share licensing responsibilities with other agencies, rather than being the sole authority. It changes the language regarding qualifications for plumbing licenses, indicating that individuals may possess certain qualifications instead of being required to have them. Additionally, the bill recognizes similar or equivalent licenses issued by the State Licensing Board for Contractors, thereby broadening the pathways for individuals to engage in plumbing work.

The bill clarifies licensing requirements for various plumbing professionals, including residential plumbers, journeyman plumbers, master plumbers, and water supply protection specialists, allowing them to work under equivalent licenses. It establishes a new section granting the State Licensing Board for Contractors the authority to issue licenses and permits for plumbers, while maintaining the concurrent authority of the State Plumbing Board. The proposed law also modifies the requirement for plumbers to hold licenses from the State Plumbing Board from mandatory to permissive, and it repeals the requirement for plumbing contractors to have licenses from the Board to engage in plumbing work. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the licensing process and enhance the regulatory framework for plumbing professionals in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB953 Original: 37:1361(A), 37:1366(A), 37:1367(A), 37:1371(A)(1), 37:1373(A), 37:1374(B)(1), 37:1377(A), 37:1377(A)6), 37:1380(A), 37:1(I), 37:2165(A)(3)