House Bill No. [insert bill number] amends and reenacts certain provisions of Louisiana's plumbing regulations, specifically R.S. 37:1374 and R.S. 37:1378, while also enacting a new subsection R.S. 37:1374(D). The bill grants the State Plumbing Board the authority to impose administrative fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 for violations of plumbing laws or regulations, without requiring a consumer complaint. These fines can be assessed for each separate violation and must follow the procedures outlined in the Administrative Procedure Act, including providing notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these administrative actions are independent of any criminal prosecution.

Furthermore, the bill expands the grounds for disciplinary actions against plumbers, including revocation, suspension, or refusal to issue or renew licenses. It introduces new provisions that address various violations, such as failure to maintain employment designations, allowing unlicensed individuals to perform regulated work, and committing dishonest or negligent acts in the course of plumbing work. The bill also stipulates that past disciplinary actions from other states or governmental entities can serve as grounds for disciplinary measures by the State Plumbing Board. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance the regulatory framework governing plumbing practices in Louisiana.

Statutes affected:
HB1197 Original: 37:1374(C), 37:1378(A)