This bill aims to enhance the enforcement of the "Landscape Irrigation Contractor Certification Act of 1991" by authorizing local enforcing agencies to take action against violations of the act. Previously, enforcement was solely the responsibility of the Department of Community Affairs, which has faced staffing shortages that hinder effective oversight. The bill allows local agencies to institute civil actions for injunctive relief and assess civil administrative penalties against violators. A new definition for "local enforcing agency" is introduced, encompassing municipal or county construction officials and their assistants.

Additionally, the bill increases the penalties for violations, setting fines at up to $5,000 for the first offense, $10,000 for the second, and $15,000 for subsequent offenses. It stipulates that 30% of the revenue from these penalties will go to the State General Fund, while 70% will be retained by the municipality or pilot county where the violation occurred. This legislative change is intended to improve compliance with landscape irrigation regulations and ensure that contractors are properly licensed to perform irrigation work.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:5AA-2, 45:5AA-6, 45:5AA-9, 45:5AA-10