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Plumbing-apprentice amendment fails after lawmakers express safety and enforcement concerns
Summary
A proposed amendment to SB 194 clarifying journeyman-to-apprentice ratios and permitting apprentice performance of certain service work failed after senators raised concerns about inspection practicality, consumer protection and potential abuse by service shops.
A floor amendment to Senate Bill 194 that would have clarified journeyman‑to‑apprentice ratios and allowed apprentices to perform certain repair and service work failed on Feb. 23 as senators expressed concerns about safety, oversight and possible abuse.
Sen. Hellowell moved an amendment to make the language clearer and to specify ratios (1 journeyman to 1 apprentice on industrial/commercial work; 1 journeyman to 3 apprentices on residential work). Some senators said those ratios and the new service‑shop language risked treating apprentices as cheap labor rather than providing meaningful on‑the‑job training. Others worried that service calls (drippy faucets, unclogging toilets) are hard to inspect and could be abused by shops sending apprentices without proper supervision.
Sponsor and supporters said the amendment simply codified existing practice for certain service work and that the new text did not change requirements for new construction. Opponents argued the change created inspection and enforcement challenges and might reduce consumer protections. On the roll call the Senate recorded 13 aye votes, 11 no votes and 5 absent; the measure failed to pass and was recorded as failed on final vote.
Outcome: The amendment (and the version of SB 194 before the Senate at that time) failed 13–11; senators requested further study on apprenticeship oversight and consumer-protection safeguards.
