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Committee pauses proposed jurisprudence exam after broad industry opposition
Summary
The committee postponed a proposed jurisprudence examination for plumbing and fuel-gas licensure after extensive testimony from propane companies, contractors and safety officials who said the rule is vague, could create redundant burdens and should be clarified (including exemptions for in-state trainees).
The committee voted to postpone consideration of a proposed jurisprudence examination for mechanical and plumbing licensure rules after extended public testimony objecting to the scope and language of the proposal.
The proposal would have required initial applicants and some reinstatements to pass an open‑book jurisprudence exam covering New Hampshire statutes and administrative rules. Rob Schubuck of the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board, who described the measure, said the test is intended to ensure applicants understand state‑specific rules and code amendments.
Industry groups and employers strongly objected. Bob Scully, representing the Propane Gas Association of New England, said the rule as written would inappropriately capture propane companies and add time and cost without improving safety. "We have a very rigid, training process" and a national training standard that members follow, Scully said, asking the committee to send the item back to the licensing board for clearer language. Rob Stenger, a West Lebanon contractor with about 100 employees, said extra testing and paperwork create barriers that hamper workforce development and do not demonstrably improve safety.
Other witnesses — including representatives of regional propane associations, employers who run apprenticeship programs, and safety directors — told the committee the proposed rule was vague about who would be tested and when waivers would apply. Several speakers urged the board to limit the exam to out‑of‑state endorsement applicants or to explicitly exempt those trained and tested in New Hampshire. Leslie Anderson, president and CEO of the Propane Gas Association of New England, asked the board to "make the language clear that it does not apply to existing gas fitters in the propane industry because their licensing already takes care of that."
Board member Rob Schubuck acknowledged the concerns and said the rule already includes a waiver process; he agreed to clarify the language to make clear that applicants who completed state‑approved in‑state training could seek an exemption without needing to apply unnecessarily. Several committee members urged the licensing board to reconvene, take industry input, and return with more precise drafting.
The committee adopted a motion to postpone the rule and grant necessary waivers to allow the board time to revise the language and reconvene; the item will return at the October meeting.
