The bill amends Chapter 37-25 of the General Laws, titled "Corrosion Prevention and Mitigation Work Requirements," to establish new requirements for personnel involved in corrosion prevention and mitigation work on public projects. It specifies that journey-level painters performing surface preparation and application of protective coatings and linings to steel must be certified by an organization that meets the NACE 13/ACS 1 standard or a similar industry-accepted standard. Apprentices in this field must be registered in an approved industrial apprenticeship program that provides training to meet these standards. Public entities awarding contracts after January 1, 2024, that are partially or fully funded by state funds must ensure that contractors and subcontractors comply with these standards. Additionally, the Department of Labor and Training, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Management, is tasked with adopting regulations by January 1, 2023, that reflect industry best practices for corrosion prevention and mitigation work.

The bill also introduces new enforcement and penalty provisions. The Department of Labor and Training is given the authority to enforce the chapter's provisions, conduct hearings, and issue subpoenas. Violations can result in civil penalties ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 and may lead to the revocation of professional or occupational licenses, especially if the violation is intentional or egregious. These provisions apply to all public works projects that meet the criteria outlined in the section. The bill is set to take effect upon passage, and it also includes an explanation by the Legislative Council that the act grants enforcement authority to the Department of Labor and Training and establishes civil monetary penalties for violations related to corrosion prevention and mitigation work requirements.

Statutes affected:
309: 37-25-1