The bill amends Chapter 5-6 of the General Laws, which governs electricians, by updating the sections related to contractor’s certificates/licenses. It introduces new sections and modifies existing ones, specifying the scope of work allowed for different certificate holders. For example, a Certificate A holder can conduct business as an electrical contractor without performing installations. The bill also revises the sections for Certificates E, AF, SCF, LPC, SRL, and REP, each corresponding to specific contracting businesses like burner contracting, fire alarm contracting, and renewable energy installation. Notably, the bill deletes the requirement for a firm or corporation to be named in the Certificate REP application and instead focuses on the individual, who must be authorized to contract work within the permitted scope. It clarifies that non-electrical renewable energy work can be done by any Certificate REP holder, but electrical work requires a licensed electrician. Additionally, it states that residential solar sheathing systems of 10 kW or less may be installed by a registered contractor with a Certificate REP, with the electrical connection to be done by a Rhode Island licensed electrician.

The bill also changes the requirements for obtaining a renewable energy professional’s certificate, eliminating the option for firms or corporations to receive this certificate and requiring individuals to pass an examination and receive certification from a recognized renewable energy certification training program. The bill sets a new fee of seventy-two dollars ($72.00) for applicants for a renewable energy professional's certificate and outlines the expiration and renewal process for licenses, which are based on the birth year of the qualifying individual. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.