OLR Bill Analysis

sSB 562 (as amended by House “A”)*

AN ACT EXEMPTING P-6, P-7, W-8 AND W-9 LICENSE HOLDERS FROM CERTAIN CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS.

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) commissioner, with the advice and assistance of the appropriate boards, to adopt regulations by July 1, 2007 to establish limited contractor and journeyman gas hearth installer licenses and requisite training requirements for gas hearth product work. It defines “gas hearth product work” as the installation, service, or repair of a propane or natural gas fireplace, fireplace insert, stove, or log set that simulates the flame of a solid fuel fire and its associated venting and piping. It does not include (1) fuel piping work, (2) servicing fuel piping, or (3) work associated with pressure regulating devices, except for appliance gas valves.

It explicitly allows licensed tradesmen (such as holders of limited heating, piping, and cooling work contractor (B-1) licenses) whose license allows them to perform gas piping work, gas burner work, or gas hearth product work to continue to perform gas hearth installer work and exempts them from the requirement that they obtain a gas hearth installer license.

The bill specifically prohibits home improvement contractors from performing gas hearth product work on or after July 1, 2008 unless they hold limited contractor or journeyman gas hearth installer licenses.

*House Amendment “A” replaces the original bill (File 113), which was concerned with exemptions from plumbers' continuing education requirements.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

Occupational Licensing System

State law establishes a licensing system for several trades overseen by different licensing boards, including the Examining Board for Plumbing and Piping Work and the Examining Board for Heating, Piping, Cooling, and Sheet Metal Work, and prohibits anyone from working in a trade unless he holds the appropriate license or apprentice permit. The licensing boards have the power to determine who qualifies for a license and to enforce standards by disciplining licensees. Boards may create limited licenses authorizing their holders to work in a specific area of a trade. Each trade has different levels of expertise—apprentice, journeyman, and contractor. Workers must meet education, training, and experience requirements to qualify for each level. The boards establish less extensive requirements for workers attempting to qualify for limited licenses. DCP's duties to the boards include receiving complaints, carrying out investigations, and performing administrative tasks, such as physically issuing licenses and renewals.

COMMITTEE ACTION

General Law Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute