Committee hears supporters of voluntary certification for residential plumbers, HVAC and electricians

Supporters of Senate Bill 54 told the Senate Workforce Development Committee the bill would create a voluntary certification program for residential‑only contractors in plumbing, HVAC and electrical trades to give homeowners a nonbinding credential verifying training, insurance and continuing education.

Rocco Fanna Jr., executive director of the Air Conditioning Contractors of Ohio (ACCO) and the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors of Ohio (PHCC Ohio), told the committee the bill "is a voluntary but structured credentialing process that establishes baseline competency and skill verification for residential only contractors." He contrasted certification with licensure, saying licensing is a regulatory requirement while certification "provides a level of consumer protection and professionalism without the burdens of full licensure."

Fanna said the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board reported that "8 out of 10 calls they receive are for residential" matters and argued certification would reduce common problems such as unsafe installations, failure to pull permits, and poor workmanship. He said certification would include continuing education requirements so credentialed contractors stay current with codes and technology.

Several residential contractors testified in support. Larry Betlajewski Jr., owner of Beatles Plumbing Solutions and past president of PHCC Ohio, said his 30 years of experience showed dangerous mistakes by unqualified workers that could lead to carbon monoxide exposure and water contamination, problems he said certification could prevent. Steve Jerome Jr., a fourth‑generation plumber and owner of Jerome Plumbing, said certification would "protect consumers and ensure contractors operate on a level playing field," and underscored the continuing education element.

Linda Hudek of LH Plumbing Services described specific safety risks tied to improper installations, including disabled temperature‑pressure relief valves on water heaters and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from incorrectly installed fuel‑burning appliances. "We are the first defence," she said, describing plumbers' role protecting public health.

Committee members asked clarifying questions. Ranking Member Ingram asked whether certification applied to the contractor or individual employees; Fanna and other witnesses said certification is tied to the contractor and that employees work under that credential. Ingram also asked how consumers would be informed; witnesses said promotion through consumer protection channels and industry outreach would be needed. A written-only testimony from Scott Haring of ACCO was submitted for the record. The item was recorded as a second hearing with multiple proponents and no vote taken.