BILL NUMBER: S5758
SPONSOR: COONEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general city law, in relation to a residency
exemption for plumbing inspectors in the city of Rochester
 
PURPOSE:
To allow the Examining Board of Plumbers to appoint plumbing inspectors
for the City of Rochester who are citizens and actual residents of the
county wherein the city is situated as opposed to the general city law
requirement of citizenship and actual residency in the city in which
they are appointed.
 
SUMMARY:
This legislation would add to section 48 of the general city law, as
amended by chapter 279 of the laws of 2020, a residency exception for
plumbing inspectors in the City of Rochester. The residency exception
will allow plumbing inspectors to be a citizen or actual resident of the
county wherein the city is situated.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
According to the Home Builders Institute Spring 2021 Construction Labor
Market Report, in construction, builders report a fifty-five percent
shortage of plumbers available for work training. This lack of skilled
labor, that affects states across the nation, has been attributed to an
aging workforce and an increased emphasis on the necessity of higher
education. Despite this well known shortage of qualified plumbers, the
demand ceases to decrease. The ultimate consequence of this shortage is
longer wait times for repairs and high costs, leading individuals to be
forced to endure the horrors of plumbing challenges.
The appointment of plumbing inspectors becomes an even more important
issue that districts must prepare for. Plumbing inspectors act as a
safeguard against low water pressures and leaks, damage on pipes and
fixtures, and faulty installation methods. With the lack of individuals
investing in a career in plumbing, this amendment can act as a safety
measure to ensure that residents in the city of Rochester are not left
to deal with a plumber shortage more severe than necessary because of a
residency requirement. Creating a residency limitation that limits the
pool of qualified plumber inspectors to a specific geographical location
helps neither the government's interest in protecting citizens nor the
constituents of Rochester. By widening the pool of potential plumber
inspectors, this bill can help the city ensure that inspections and
services continue without delays.
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5758: 48 general city law