The bill aims to make technical corrections to the regulations surrounding plumbing supervision and trainee hours reporting in Washington State. It amends existing definitions and provisions in RCW 18.106.010 and RCW 18.106.070, including clarifying the roles and responsibilities of various plumbing professionals such as journey level plumbers, specialty plumbers, and residential service plumbers. Notably, the bill introduces new language that specifies the definition of "residential service plumbing" and outlines the conditions under which plumber trainees can work, including the requirement for direct supervision and the ratio of trainees to certified plumbers on job sites.
Additionally, the bill extends the trainee supervision requirements and modifies the trainee-to-plumber ratio until December 31, 2028, allowing for a maximum of three trainees per certified plumber on residential service plumbing jobs. It also mandates the establishment of a work group to evaluate the impact of these changes on the plumbing industry and public safety, with reports due to the legislature every three years. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sufficient workforce in the plumbing sector to meet public demand while ensuring safety standards are upheld.
Statutes affected: Original Bill: 19.72.070