This bill amends RCW 18.106.270 to establish clearer penalties for plumbing contractors who commit infractions. It sets a minimum monetary penalty of $100 for individuals and $500 for contractors for the first infraction, with a maximum penalty of $5,000 for subsequent infractions. The bill also specifies that the administrative law judge cannot waive or reduce these penalties, although the director has the discretion to waive or reduce collection for good cause. Additionally, it introduces new provisions for suspending the certificates, licenses, endorsements, or registrations of individuals or contractors who accumulate multiple infractions, particularly those involving residential service plumbing or construction.

Furthermore, the bill outlines that if a plumbing contractor is determined to have committed five or more infractions within a five-year period, the department may suspend their credentials for up to two years, requiring a corrective action plan for reinstatement. It clarifies that multiple infractions from a single inspection are counted as one infraction and specifies that the new suspension rules do not apply to infractions related to residential service plumbing. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2027, and all monetary penalties collected will be deposited into the plumbing certificate fund.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.106.270
Substitute bill: 18.106.270