OLR Bill Analysis
AN ACT REQUIRING OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING FOR CERTAIN STATE EMPLOYEES.
This bill requires plumbers and electricians hired by the state on or after July 1, 2009 to be fully licensed by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). Current law exempts plumbers and electricians hired by any federal, state, or municipal agency from meeting the occupational licensing requirements established for plumbers and electricians selling their services to the general public.
The bill also requires people who:
1. install, repair, replace, alter, or maintain gas or water tubing and piping mains and branch lines up to and including the closest valve to a machine or equipment used in a production process to be licensed as plumbing and piping workers and
2. install air conditioning and refrigeration tubing and piping mains and branch lines up to and including the closest valve to a machine or equipment used in a production process to be licensed as heating, piping, and cooling workers.
The bill exempts from the new requirement millwrights who perform this type of work. Under the bill, “millwright work” means the maintenance or construction of industrial machinery used in the production process.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2009
BACKGROUND
Licensing Examining Boards
State law creates an Examining Board for Plumbing and Piping Work and an Examining Board for Heating, Piping, Cooling, and Sheet Metal Work. As with other occupational licensing boards in DCP, these boards set occupational standards to establish contractor and journeyman licenses, work with DCP to hold licensing exams, hold disciplinary hearings as needed, and conducts other related activities.
Relationship Between DCP and its Boards
State law establishes a uniform system for DCP and its boards, which have the power to determine who qualifies for a license and to enforce standards by disciplining licensees. The law establishes DCP's duties to the boards, which include receiving complaints, carrying out investigations, and performing administrative tasks, such as physically issuing licenses and renewals.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Labor and Public Employees Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea |
11 |
Nay |
0 |
(03/10/2009) |