House Bill No. 550, introduced by Representative Fontenot, seeks to amend and reenact sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning plumbing licenses. The bill grants the State Licensing Board for Contractors the authority to license and regulate plumbers and plumbing contractors, while establishing a Plumbing Contractors Subcommittee within the board. It introduces new definitions for various plumbing-related licenses, including "apprentice plumber license," "journeyman plumber license," and "master plumber license," and outlines the responsibilities of plumbing contractors. The bill also includes provisions for licensing fees, penalties, and the grandfathering of existing plumbing licenses, while repealing Chapter 16 of Title 37, which previously governed plumbing licensing, and abolishing the State Plumbing Board.

The legislation further details new licensing requirements for contractors and plumbers, including fees for non-resident applicants and a $100 annual fee for plumbing contractors to support training programs. It mandates that all individuals engaged in plumbing work must possess the appropriate plumber's license and clarifies the roles of master plumbing contractors and residential plumbing contractors. The bill allows for the issuance of temporary working permits for out-of-state plumbers and specifies that fines collected for plumbing violations will be allocated to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System for training programs. The changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027, with the aim of streamlining the licensing process and enhancing regulatory oversight in the plumbing industry.

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)
HB953 Engrossed: 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)
HB953 Reengrossed: 37:2156(D), 37:1(A)(7), 37:2158(A), 37:2164(A)