Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
ESTABLISH PLUMBER APPRENTICE RATIO
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
Senate Bill 740 (S-1) as reported from House committee Analysis available at
Sponsor: Sen. Darrin Camilleri http://www.legislature.mi.gov
House Committee: Labor
Senate Committee: Labor
Complete to 10-1-24
BRIEF SUMMARY: Senate Bill 740 would amend the Skilled Trades Regulation Act to establish a
ratio of one journey or master plumber to up to two apprentice plumbers.
FISCAL IMPACT: Senate Bill 740 would have an indeterminate fiscal impact on state and local
government units. It is expected that the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
(LARA) and local agencies that enforce the Michigan Plumbing Code would receive increased
revenues from collected violation fines. The amount of the increase would depend on the
number of violations, and the impact on a specific agency would depend on how many
violations the agency discovers. The bill would likely require additional enforcement costs as
well, which would depend on the volume of complaints and investigations.
THE APPARENT PROBLEM:
Currently, the Skilled Trades Regulation Act does not prescribe a ratio for how many plumbing
apprentices can be present at a job site for each journey plumber or master plumber. Some
believe that, as a result, some plumbing contractors are placing too many apprentices at a job
site without proper supervision, which prevents the apprentices from receiving the necessary
training and on-site experience to prepare them to fulfill their job duties safely and correctly.
THE CONTENT OF THE BILL:
The Skilled Trades Regulation Act requires apprentice plumbers, as their principal occupation,
to be engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of plumbing under the direct
supervision of a journey plumber or master plumber.
Under Senate Bill 740, one journey plumber or master plumber could provide direct, on-site,
in-person supervision to not more than two apprentices. LARA or an enforcing agency (the
governmental agency that, in accordance with the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State
Construction Code Act, is responsible for administering and enforcing the State Construction
Code within a county, city, village, or township) would be responsible for enforcing this ratio
on a jobsite basis.
A plumbing contractor that violates these provisions would be subject to a $5,000
administrative fine for a first violation, a $10,000 administrative fine for a second violation,
and a minimum 90 days’ suspension of their plumbing contractor’s license for a third violation.
After 90 days, the contractor could have their license reinstated if they pass a plumbing
contractor examination.
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 3
 LARA would have to pay any money collected from a fine to the enforcing agency that
discovered the violation. If LARA issues an order for a violation, it would be entitled to actual
costs and attorney fees related to the investigation and adjudication of the violation.
MCL 339.6117 (amended) and MCL 339.6117a (proposed)
ARGUMENTS:
For:
Supporters argue that the bill would improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of plumbing
projects by ensuring that a job is done correctly the first time and that apprentices are properly
trained by experienced professionals. Increased supervision from journey plumbers or master
plumbers would provide more valuable learning opportunities and ensure that mistakes are
caught before a safety hazard or health risk occurs, which supporters argue would save
businesses money. They suggest that establishing a ratio for plumbing apprentices is a
commonsense change that would align plumbing with other trades. Electricians, for example,
are currently subject to a ratio of one journey or master electrician to up to three apprentices.
Against:
No arguments opposing the bill were presented during committee testimony, although concerns
were raised about whether the bill would limit job opportunities for new apprentices and
whether the ratio would have a tangible impact on worker safety.
POSITIONS:
Representatives of the following entities testified in support of the bill (9-25-24):
• Michigan Pipe Trades Association
• United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting
Industry (UA) Local 333
• UA Local 370
• UA Local 671
The following entities indicated support for the bill (9-25-24):
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Michigan State Conference
• Michigan Nurses Association
• UA Local 85
• UA Local 98
• UA Local 111
• UA Local 174
• UA Local 190
• UA Local 357
• UA Local 636
• UA Local 704
The following entities indicated opposition to the bill (9-25-24):
• Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan
• Grand Rapids Chamber
• Home Builders Association of Michigan
House Fiscal Agency SB 740 (S-1) as reported Page 2 of 3
 • Lake Michigan College
• Michigan Chamber of Commerce
• Michigan Chemistry Council
• Michigan Manufacturers Association
• National Federation of Independent Business
• Small Business Association of Michigan
Legislative Analyst: Holly Kuhn
Fiscal Analyst: Una Jakupovic
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency SB 740 (S-1) as reported Page 3 of 3


Statutes affected:
Substitute (S-1): 339.6117, 339.5717
Senate Introduced Bill: 339.5717
As Passed by the Senate: 339.6117, 339.5717
As Passed by the House: 339.6117, 339.5717
Senate Enrolled Bill: 339.6117, 339.5717