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Committee adopts substitute for multi-trade licensing cleanup bill and advances it to full committee
Summary
The subcommittee adopted a committee substitute to a 45-page licensing bill covering electricians, plumbers, HVAC and low-voltage contractors, including a 90-day provision to allow continued operation after a license-holder’s death; the substitute was reported do pass to the full committee.
Rep. Washburn presented a multi-trade licensing bill (committee substitute LC550466s) to the Committee on Regulated Industries and said the measure is a years-in-the-making cleanup intended to harmonize language across five regulated trades: utility contractors, mechanical contractors, plumbers, electricians and low-voltage contractors.
Lee Lemke, an industry representative who described the measure as largely a technical cleanup across roughly 45 pages, told the committee the bill’s principal operational provision would allow businesses to continue work for a defined period if a licensed contractor dies, giving the business 90 days to secure a new registered licensee or otherwise comply. Lemke said the provision is intended to prevent ongoing contracts from halting when a license-holder dies.
Why it matters: The bill affects licensing rules for several high-impact trades and seeks to standardize terminology and practice across multiple licensing boards. Supporters said it reduces administrative friction for contractors and clarifies regulatory language that has been the subject of repeated revisions in prior sessions.
Stakeholders from the trades spoke in support or to note details. Lemke named additional representatives in the audience: Tucker Green (air/air-conditioning trade representation), Ranga Channum (low-voltage interests), and Joel Wiggins (independent electrical contractors). The transcript notes low-voltage work includes security alarms and smoke detectors and that low-voltage licensing is distinct from electrical licensing.
Procedure and outcome: The committee considered a committee substitute the sponsor circulated and the panel voted to adopt the substitute (LC550466s). Following adoption of the substitute, the committee voted to report the bill do pass, sending the substitute to the full committee for further consideration.
Ending: The chair closed the subcommittee meeting after the votes and the sponsor said he would ensure the substitute is transmitted to the full committee for the next stage of consideration.
