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House floor battle over construction-licensing bill centers on 'handyman' exemption
Summary
Lawmakers debated Senate Bill 85 (construction trade licensing act amendments) over whether to retain a longstanding 'handyman' exemption allowing incidental work up to $3,000 without licensure. A floor amendment to reinstate that language prompted lengthy argument and the House ultimately circled the bill for further work.
Representative Edwards, sponsor of Senate Bill 85, told the House SB85 gives state plumbing and electrical licensing boards authority to define apprenticeship supervision by rule and includes technical housekeeping tied to last year’s Senate Bill 163. On the floor, Representative Wright moved a substantive amendment that would delete new language and reinstate a longstanding 'handyman' exemption allowing individuals to perform incidental work (faucets, light fixtures, similar minor tasks) up to $3,000 with a contract or bid.
Supporters of the Wright amendment, including…
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