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Legislative debate over landscaper certification: committee deadlocks on amendment and holds bill
Summary
Rep. Arthur’s bill would require two of the six continuing-education hours for landscape contractors to focus on water conservation and fire-safety; an amendment to soften the prescriptive requirement failed 5–5 and the committee ultimately held the bill for further stakeholder work.
Representative Arthur presented amendments to landscaper certification (HB 313), proposing that within the existing two‑year cycle and the six hours of continuing education already required for certain contractor licenses, two hours be dedicated to "principles of water conservation as well as fire safety" ("water wise and fire wise landscaping"). Arthur said the change was intended to align contractor continuing education with state priorities on water conservation and home fire safety.
The Division of Professional Licensing’s Mark Steinagel described existing licensing and continuing-education structure: contractors typically must complete six hours every two years, and DOPL classifies core and professional-hour types. Stakeholders including the Utah Nursery and Landscape Association and the Associated General Contractors spoke in support of targeted training but some committee members expressed concern that a statutorily prescriptive requirement could displace other required core or life-safety training.
Representative Thurston offered Amendment 2 that would add the Utah Nursery and Landscape Association to the list of approved continuing-education providers while removing the statutory prescription requiring the two-hour, water/fire focus. That amendment went to a roll-call vote and failed on a 5–5 vote (tie). After further discussion the committee voted to hold HB 313 so the sponsor can work with stakeholders to refine the language.
Public commenters urged clarity in scope and provider roles. Eric Marble (representing the Utah Nursery and Landscape Association) recommended DOPL work with professional organizations to define landscaping so unrelated licenses are not captured. Gavin Gilbert (Associated General Contractors of Utah) urged balance so life-safety and code training are not displaced.
Result: Amendment 2 failed on a 5–5 roll call; the committee later voted to hold HB 313 for further stakeholder work.
