24 LC 36 5753 Senate Bill 503 By: Senators Brass of the 28th, Summers of the 13th, Dolezal of the 27th, Ginn of the 47th, Harbison of the 15th and others AS PASSED SENATE A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and 1 businesses, so as to amend Chapter 41, relating to residential and general contractors; to2 rename the general contractor license as a commercial general contractor license and to make3 conforming amendments throughout; to change certain provisions relating to the4 membership, qualifications, terms, and meetings of the State Licensing Board for Residential5 and General Contractors; to require proof of qualified financial responsibility and insurance6 coverages after taking the examination required for licensure; to change certain provision7 relating to reciprocity; to change certain provisions relating to eligibility for licensure without8 examination; to change the notification and designation requirements relating to qualifying9 agents; to require each business organization that has terminated its qualifying agent to10 furnish certain information to building inspectors; to make certain changes as to the role of11 building inspectors; to change provisions relating to the effective date of licensing; to provide12 for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.13 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:14 S. B. 503 - 1 - 24 LC 36 5753 SECTION 1. 15 Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses,16 is amended by revising Chapter 41, relating to residential and general contractors, as follows:17 "43-41-1.18 It is the intent of the General Assembly, in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare,19 to safeguard homeowners, other property owners, tenants, and the general public against20 faulty, inadequate, inefficient, and unsafe residential and commercial general contractors. 21 The practice of residential and commercial general contracting is declared to be a business22 or profession affecting the public interest and this chapter shall be liberally construed so23 as to accomplish the intent and purposes stated in this Code section.24 43-41-2.25 As used in this chapter, the term:26 (1) 'Board' means the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General27 Contractors.28 (2) 'Business organization' means any partnership, corporation, limited liability entity,29 business trust, joint venture, or other legal entity, other than an individual person, doing30 business or seeking, offering, or contracting to do business as a contractor or otherwise31 performing or acting as a contractor as defined in this Code section.32 (3) 'Commercial general contractor' means a contractor whose services are unlimited as33 to the type of work which he or she may do, subject to the financial limitations as may34 be imposed by a subclassification created pursuant to paragraph (8) of subsection (b) of35 Code Section 43-41-5, and who may contract for, undertake to perform, submit a bid or36 a proposal or otherwise offer to perform, and perform any activity or work as a contractor37 requiring licensure under this chapter including within its scope any work requiring38 licensure under Chapter 14 of this title; provided, however, that any work contractually39 undertaken by a commercial general contractor in the nature of electrical contracting,40 S. B. 503 - 2 - 24 LC 36 5753 plumbing, conditioned air contracting, low-voltage contracting, or utility contracting41 which falls within the licensing requirements of Chapter 14 of this title may not be42 performed by the commercial general contractor but shall only be performed by a person43 who is duly licensed to perform such work under Chapter 14 of this title. The44 construction of all private, commercial, institutional, industrial, public, and other45 buildings and structures under contract with or engagement directly by an owner shall be46 undertaken by a commercial general contractor, except as otherwise expressly set forth47 in or excluded from operation of this chapter.48 (3)(4) 'Contracting' means performing or causing to be performed any of the activities49 set forth in paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (9), (10), and (11) of this Code section which define50 the types of contractors. The offering of contracting services and the negotiation of or51 bid or proposal for engagement or a contract requiring performance of these services also52 constitutes contracting.53 (4)(5) 'Contractor,' except as specifically exempted by this chapter, means a person who54 is qualified, or required to be qualified, under this chapter and who, for compensation,55 contracts to, offers to undertake or undertakes to, submits a bid or a proposal to, or56 personally or by others performs the construction or the management of the construction57 for an owner of any building, bridge, or other structure, including a person who installs58 industrialized buildings as defined in paragraphs (3) and (4) of Code Section 8-2-111, for59 the construction or improvement of, addition to, or the repair, alteration, or remodeling60 of any such building, bridge, or structure for use by the owner or by others or for resale61 to others. The term 'contractor' for purposes of this chapter shall include a person who62 contracts to, undertakes to, or submits a bid or proposal to perform, or otherwise does63 himself or herself perform, for an owner:64 (A) Construction management services relative to the performance by others of such65 construction activities where the person performing such construction management66 S. B. 503 - 3 - 24 LC 36 5753 services is at risk contractually to the owner for the performance and cost of the 67 construction; and68 (B) Services of a contractor as part of performance of design-build services, whether69 as a prime contractor, joint venture partner, or as a subcontractor to a design70 professional acting as prime contractor as part of a design-build entity or combination.71 Both residential and commercial general contractors, in addition to contractors licensed72 under Chapter 14 of this title to perform such work or any component thereof, shall be73 permitted to construct storm-water management systems comprising any storm-water74 conveyance or storm-water detention facility that moves storm or surface water from a75 specific point on a wholly contained construction project site to another specific point on76 the same project site and which are wholly contained within the project site and are not77 part of or connected to any public or private water treatment system, waste-water78 treatment system, or storm-water system.79 (5) 'General contractor' means a contractor whose services are unlimited as to the type80 of work which he or she may do, subject to the financial limitations as may be imposed81 by a subclassification created pursuant to paragraph (8) of subsection (b) of Code Section82 43-41-5, and who may contract for, undertake to perform, submit a bid or a proposal or83 otherwise offer to perform, and perform any activity or work as a contractor requiring84 licensure under this chapter including within its scope any work requiring licensure under85 Chapter 14 of this title; provided, however, that any work contractually undertaken by a86 general contractor in the nature of electrical contracting, plumbing, conditioned air87 contracting, low voltage contracting, or utility contracting which falls within the licensing88 requirements of Chapter 14 of this title may not be performed by the general contractor89 but shall only be performed by a person who is duly licensed to perform such work under90 Chapter 14 of this title. The construction of all private, commercial, institutional,91 industrial, public, and other buildings and structures under contract with or engagement92 S. B. 503 - 4 - 24 LC 36 5753 directly by an owner shall be undertaken by a general contractor, except as otherwise93 expressly set forth in or excluded from operation of this chapter.94 (6) An 'owner' of real property means a person or entity that has a majority ownership95 interest in the real property to be improved and for whom an improvement is made or96 who contracts with or engages, directly or through an agent, the contractor to perform the97 construction work or services.98 (7) 'Qualifying agent' means a person who possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and99 experience and has the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control all of the100 contracting activities within the State of Georgia of a contractor doing business in the101 form of a business organization, with which he or she is affiliated by employment or102 ownership; who has the responsibility to supervise, direct, manage, and control103 construction activities on any project for which he or she has obtained the building permit104 pursuant to Code Section 43-41-14; and whose technical and personal qualifications have105 been determined by investigation and examination as provided in this chapter, except as106 exempted under Code Section 43-41-8, as attested by the division.107 (8) 'Real property' means the real estate, or an interest therein, that is improved,108 including leaseholds, tenements, and easements, and improvements constructed or placed109 thereon.110 (9) 'Residential contractor' means any contractor who may contract for, undertake to111 perform, submit a bid or a proposal or otherwise offer to perform, and perform any112 activity or work as a contractor requiring licensure under this chapter for a fixed price,113 commission, fee, wage, or other compensation or who undertakes any activity or work114 on his or her own behalf or for any person or business organization that is not licensed115 as a licensed residential contractor pursuant to this chapter where such activity or work116 falls into the category of residential-basic contractor or residential-light commercial117 contractor as defined in this Code section and where the total value of the work or activity118 or of the compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work,119 S. B. 503 - 5 - 24 LC 36 5753 whichever is the higher, exceeds $2,500.00. The term 'residential contractor' shall 120 include both a residential-basic contractor and a residential-light commercial contractor,121 except where otherwise expressly stated. The work or activity performed by a residential122 contractor may include within its scope any work requiring licensure under Chapter 14123 of this title; provided, however, that any work contractually undertaken by a residential124 contractor in the nature of electrical contracting, plumbing, conditioned air contracting, 125 low voltage contracting, or utility contracting which falls within the licensing126 requirements of Chapter 14 of this title may not be performed by the residential127 contractor but shall only be performed by a person who is duly licensed to perform such128 work under Chapter 14 of this title.129 (10) 'Residential-basic contractor' means and encompasses a person who performs130 contractor work or activity relative to detached one-family and two-family residences and131 one-family townhouses not over three stories in height and their accessory buildings and132 structures.133 (11) 'Residential-light commercial contractor' means and encompasses a person who134 performs any contractor work or activity performed by a residential-basic contractor and,135 additionally, shall include such contractor work or activity related to multifamily and136 multiuse light commercial buildings and structures, and their related accessory buildings137 and structures, which are less than four stories in height; less than 25,000 square feet in138 aggregate interior floor space, except as otherwise provided in this chapter; and are139 constructed of wood or light gauge metal frame, brick veneer, prefabricated, or140 manufactured type of construction; or are preengineered steel buildings not exceeding141 50,000 square feet of interior floor space; provided that such buildings or structures are142 not of the type of building or structure that would constitute a special hazard to property143 or to life and safety of persons as defined in subparagraphs (A), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G),144 (G.1), (H), (I), and (J) and subparagraph (B), as it applies to a building of four or more145 stories, of paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of Code Section 25-2-13.146 S. B. 503 - 6 - 24 LC 36 5753 (12) 'Specialty contractor' means a contractor whose scope of work and responsibility is 147 of limited scope dealing with only a specific trade and directly related and ancillary work148 and whose performance is limited to such specialty construction work requiring special149 skill and requiring specialized building trades or crafts, including, but not limited to, such150 activities, work, or services requiring licensure under Chapter 14 of this title.151 43-41-3.152 (a) There is created the State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General153 Contractors consisting of 15 members appointed by the Governor for five-year terms. The154 board shall be assigned to the Secretary of State's office for administrative purposes and155 shall be under the jurisdiction of the division director and shall operate in accordance with156 and pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1 of this title, as applicable. The board shall be157 comprised composed of two divisions: the residential contractor division, having158 jurisdiction of and authority over the two subcategories of residential contracting,159 residential-basic contractors and residential-light commercial contractors, and the160 commercial general contractor division. Eight members shall be appointed and serve as161 members of the residential contractor division of the board and seven members shall be162 appointed and serve as members of the commercial general contractor division of the163 board. Members shall serve until the expiration of their respective terms and until their164 successors are appointed and qualified. Vacancies occurring during a term shall be filled165 by appointment of the Governor for the remainder of the unexpired term and such166 replacement shall meet the requirements and criteria of selection of the person previously167 holding the vacant position. To be eligible to serve on the respective divisions of the168 board, each contractor member shall be and licensed in the category to which the member169 is appointed and shall remain actively involved in the construction contracting business and170 shall have been so engaged for a period of not less than five consecutive years before the171 date of appointment in the particular contracting business, as a residential contractor or172 S. B. 503 - 7 - 24 LC 36 5753 commercial general contractor, corresponding to the division for which such person is173 appointed. Any contractor members whose term continues after or who are appointed to174 terms commencing two years from the date that this chapter becomes effective must also175 have been licensed and certified by the respective division of the board to operate as a176 contractor in the category to which the member is appointed. The position of any177 appointive appointed member of the board who, during his or her term of appointment,178 shall cease to meet the qualifications for original appointment shall be immediately179 vacated. No member of the board shall be appointed to serve more than two full terms.180 (b) The residential contractor division shall consist of eight members and, except as181 otherwise expressly stated in this chapter, shall have jurisdiction of and authority over the182 practice of the two subcategories of residential contracting, residential-basic contractors183 and residential-light commercial contractors. Six members shall be residential contractors184 eligible for licensure licensed under this chapter; provided, however, that effective January185 1, 2008, all residential contractor members shall be required to be licensed under this186 chapter. At least two of the residential contractor members shall be qualified to perform187 residential-light commercial type projects; three shall be qualified and shall predominantly188 perform residential-basic type projects licensed as residential-light commercial contractors;189 at least two shall be licensed as residential-basic contractors; one shall be a licensed190 residential contractor whose business predominantly involves remodeling projects; one191 shall be a licensed residential contractor who constructs at least an average of 20 residences192 per year; and all must be geographically diverse. One member shall be a public building193 official and one member shall be a public member. The public member shall have no ties194 with the residential construction industry and shall represent the interests of the public at195 large. The initial member terms on the residential contractor division shall be staggered196 so that all terms do not expire simultaneously. Three members shall serve initial terms of197 five years, three members shall serve initial terms of four years, one member shall serve198 an initial term of three years, and one member shall serve an initial term of one year. The199 S. B. 503 - 8 - 24 LC 36 5753 residential contractor division shall meet at least six times each year once every two200 months for the purpose of transacting such business as may properly come before it.201 (c) The commercial general contractor division shall consist of seven members and, except202 as otherwise expressly stated in this chapter, shall have jurisdiction of and authority over203 the practice of commercial general contracting. Five members shall be commercial general204 contractors eligible for licensure licensed under this chapter. Effective January 1, 2008,205 all general contractor members shall be required to be licensed under this chapter. At least206 two of the commercial general contractor members shall be small-volume builders with an207 annual contracting volume of less than $5 $10 million and all of whom must be208 geographically diverse. One member shall be a currently licensed or registered architect209 or engineer and one member shall be a public building official. The initial member terms210 on the commercial general contractor division shall be staggered so that all terms do not211 expire simultaneously. Three members, including at least two contractor members, shall212 serve initial terms of five years; three members, including at least two contractor members,213 shall serve initial terms of four years; and one member shall serve an initial term of three214 years. The commercial general contractor division shall meet at least six times each year215 once every two months for the purpose of transacting such business as may properly come216 before it.217 43-41-4.218 (a) The initial members of the board shall be appointed no later than July 1, 2005. The 219 fifteenth member of the board shall be appointed not later than July 1, 2007. The board220 shall meet within 30 days after its appointment at a time and place to be designated by the221 Governor and organize by electing elect a chairperson and a vice chairperson, each to serve222 for a one-year term commencing on the first day of July each year.223 (b) The office of chairperson of the board shall be rotated between the two divisions224 enumerated in this chapter, with the office of vice chairperson to be held by a member of225 S. B. 503 - 9 - 24 LC 36 5753 the division other than that in which the chairperson serves, unless the board, through its 226 rules and regulations, provides otherwise. Any vacancy in the office of chairperson shall227 be filled by the members for the unexpired term. The person selected to fill the vacancy228 shall be a member of the same division as the chairperson whose departure has created the229 vacancy.230 (c) The board shall meet at the call of the chairperson or upon the recommendation of a231 majority of its members. Eight members of the board, including at least three members232 from each of its divisions, shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business by the233 board.234 (d) Each division within the board shall also elect from its membership a chairperson and235 a vice chairperson who shall each serve for a term of two years. Any vacancy in the office236 of either the chairperson or vice chairperson shall be filled by one of the members of the237 respective division for the unexpired term.238 (e) Any member elected chairperson of a division may not serve more than two239 consecutive full terms of office.240 (f) Each division shall carry out its powers and duties as provided for in this chapter with241 the assistance of the division director and staff of the professional licensing boards division242 of the Secretary of State's office and the officers and staff of the board. Each division of243 the board shall operate and transact its business independently of the other division and of244 the board at large, except as required by this chapter and to the extent of common interests245 and functions, including staffing and administration. Each division of the board shall have246 delegated from the board the power and authority to take all appropriate actions in the247 organization and administration of each respective division and the effectuation and248 implementation of the licensing and enforcement processes required under this chapter,249 subject to ultimate oversight and review by the board.250 (g) The divisions of the board shall meet at the call of the chairperson of the division.251 S. B. 503 - 10 - 24 LC 36 5753 (h) The board shall not take action on any matter specifically delegated to and under the 252 authority and control of the one of its divisions unless at least four of its members from the253 affected division are present and participating in such action or decision.254 (i) The division director, or his or her designee, shall keep a record of the proceedings of255 the board and its respective divisions.256 43-41-5.257 (a) The board shall meet at least twice each year for the purpose of transacting such258 business as may properly come before it and of overseeing the operation of its divisions.259 (b) The board and its divisions shall have the power to:260 (1) Request from the various departments, agencies, and authorities of the state and its261 political subdivisions and their agencies and authorities such available information as262 they may require in their work; and all such departments, agencies, and authorities shall263 furnish such requested available information to the board and its divisions within a264 reasonable time;265 (2) Provide by regulation for reciprocity with other states or territories of the United266 States in the licensing of residential and commercial general contractors, provided that267 such other states have requirements substantially equal to the requirements in force in this268 state for registration, licensure, or certification and that any such contractor holding a269 current and valid license, certificate, or registration from another state or territory seeking270 licensure by way of reciprocity shall demonstrate that such applicant meets, in the271 discretion of the respective division, the qualifications, requirements, and criteria set forth272 in Code Section 43-41-6, other than the requirement to take and pass an examination as273 set forth in subsection (d) of Code Section 43-41-6, and that such applicant is otherwise274 in compliance with all requirements of the State of Georgia for transaction of such275 business within this state; provided, further, that a similar privilege is offered to residents276 of this state by the other state or territory;277 S. B. 503 - 11 - 24 LC 36 5753 (3) Establish and adjust fees as necessary within the limits set forth in Chapter 1 of this 278 title;279 (4) Adopt official seals for their use and change them at pleasure;280 (5) Establish the policies and procedures for regulating the businesses of residential281 contracting and commercial general contracting and provide interpretation and guidance282 regarding the implementation and application of such policies and procedures;283 (6) Determine qualifications for licensure or certification, including such experience284 requirements as the board deems necessary;285 (7) Promulgate and adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out this chapter;286 (8) Establish and define appropriate categories of commercial general contractor287 licensure based upon financial criteria; and288 (9) Allow for inactive status pursuant to Code Section 43-1-22.289 (c) Regarding the powers and authorities conferred by this Code section relative to the290 residential-light commercial contractor subcategory of the residential contractor291 classification under this chapter, due to the characteristics of such subcategory, such292 powers and authorities shall be delegated to and conferred upon, in the first instance, a293 combined and overlapping subdivision comprising four members of both of the divisions,294 two of whom shall be the residential-light commercial qualified members of the residential295 contractor division and two of whom shall be the small volume qualified members of the296 commercial general contractor division, with neither division having sole oversight and297 control of such powers and authorities. The chairperson of such combined subdivision298 shall be rotated annually between the chairperson of the residential contractor division and299 the chairperson of the commercial general contractor division, with the residential300 contractor chairperson initially serving as chairperson. The combined subdivision shall301 meet at the call of such chairperson. However, regarding the actual issuance of licenses302 under this chapter for residential-light commercial contracting and any powers and303 authorities relative to administration, oversight, control, or disciplinary action of persons304 S. B. 503 - 12 - 24 LC 36 5753 issued such licenses, pursuant to Code Sections 43-41-10, 43-41-11, 43-41-13, 43-41-15, 305 and 43-41-16, the residential contractor division shall have full power and authority. Any306 determinations made or actions taken by this subdivision shall be subject to the ultimate307 review, oversight, control, power, and authority of the board.308 (d)(1) The division director is authorized to make, or cause to be made through309 employees or contract agents of the board, such investigations as he or she or the board310 may deem necessary or proper for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. Any311 person properly conducting an investigation on behalf of the board shall have access to312 and may examine any writing, document, or other material relating to the fitness of any313 licensee or applicant. The division director or his or her appointed representative may314 issue subpoenas to compel such access upon a determination that reasonable grounds315 exist for the belief that a violation of this chapter or any other law relating to the practice316 of residential or commercial general contracting may have taken place.317 (2) The results of all investigations initiated by the board shall be reported solely to the318 board, and the records of such investigations shall be kept for the board by the division319 director, with the board retaining the right to have access at any time to such records. No320 part of any such records shall be released, except to the board, for any purpose other than321 a hearing before the board, nor shall such records be subject to subpoena; provided,322 however, that the board shall be authorized to release such records to another323 enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.324 (3) The board shall have the authority to exclude all persons during its deliberations on325 disciplinary proceedings and to discuss any disciplinary matter in private with a licensee326 or applicant and the legal counsel of that licensee or applicant.327 (e) A person, firm, corporation, association, authority, or other entity shall be immune328 from civil and criminal liability for reporting or investigating the acts or omissions of a329 licensee or applicant which violate the provisions of this chapter or any other provision of330 law relating to a licensee's or applicant's fitness to practice as a licensed residential or331 S. B. 503 - 13 - 24 LC 36 5753 commercial general contractor or for initiating or conducting proceedings against such332 licensee or applicant, if such report is made or action is taken in good faith, without fraud333 or malice.334 (f) The denial of a license on grounds other than those enumerated in this chapter, the335 issuance of a private reprimand, the denial of a license by reciprocity, the denial of a336 request for reinstatement of a revoked license, or the refusal to issue a previously denied337 license shall not be considered to be a contested case within the meaning of Chapter 13 of338 Title 50, the 'Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.' Notice and hearing within the339 meaning of Chapter 13 of Title 50 shall not be required, but the applicant or licensee shall340 be allowed to appear before the appropriate division if he or she so requests.341 (g) If any licensee or applicant fails to appear at any hearing after reasonable notice, the342 board may proceed to hear the evidence against such licensee or applicant and take action343 as if such licensee or applicant had been present. A notice of hearing, initial or344 recommended decision, or final decision of the board in a disciplinary proceeding shall be345 served upon the licensee or applicant by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery,346 return receipt requested, to the last known address of record with the board. If such347 material is returned marked 'unclaimed' or 'refused' or is otherwise undeliverable and if the348 licensee or applicant cannot, after diligent effort, be located, the division director shall be349 deemed to be the agent for service for such licensee or applicant for purposes of this Code350 section, and service upon the division director shall be deemed to be service upon the351 licensee or applicant.352 (h) The voluntary surrender of a license shall have the same effect as a revocation of the353 license, subject to reinstatement in the discretion of the board.354 (i) This Code section shall apply equally to all licensees or applicants whether individuals,355 partners, or members of any other incorporated or unincorporated associations,356 corporations, business organizations, or other associations of any kind whatsoever.357 S. B. 503 - 14 - 24 LC 36 5753 (j) All subpoenas issued pursuant to the authority granted in this chapter shall be subject 358 to the general rules of law with respect to distance, tender of fees and expenses, and359 protective orders; and any motion made with respect thereto shall be made to and passed360 on by a judge of the superior court of the county of residence of the person to whom the361 subpoena is directed.362 43-41-6.363 (a) Anyone seeking to be licensed as a residential contractor or as a commercial general364 contractor in this state shall file an application on a form provided by the residential365 contractor or commercial general contractor division, respectively, accompanied by an366 application fee as provided by the board. Such an application may be submitted either by:367 (1) An individual person seeking issuance of a license in his or her own name for368 purposes of engaging in the profession of residential or commercial general contracting369 in his or her own name or doing business as an individual in a trade name as a sole370 proprietorship; or371 (2) An individual person affiliated by ownership or employment with and acting as a372 qualifying agent for a business organization seeking to engage in the profession of373 residential or commercial general contracting in the name of the business organization374 in accordance with and pursuant to Code Section 43-41-9.375 Additionally, all applicants must submit to and successfully pass an examination prepared376 by, prepared for, or approved by the appropriate division, except where an applicant is377 otherwise qualified for licensure and has satisfied the appropriate division requirements and378 regulations for licensure pursuant to Code Section 43-41-8 exempting such applicant from379 the examination requirement or where the applicant is an individual acting as a qualifying380 agent for a business organization and has previously obtained and maintained continuously381 a license issued by the appropriate division, either as an individual doing business in his382 S. B. 503 - 15 - 24 LC 36 5753 or her own name or doing business as an individual in a trade name as a sole proprietor or 383 as a qualifying agent for another business organization.384 (b) A person shall be eligible for licensure as a residential-basic contractor by the385 residential contractor division if the person:386 (1) Is at least 21 years of age;387 (2) Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and 388 integrity, and financial responsibility;389 (3) Has at least two years of proven experience working as or in the employment of a390 residential contractor, predominantly in the residential-basic category, or other proven391 experience deemed substantially similar by the division; and392 (4) Has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of393 at least two projects falling within the residential-basic category in the two years394 immediately preceding application.395 (c) A person shall be eligible for licensure as a residential-light commercial contractor by396 the residential-light commercial subdivision if the person:397 (1) Is at least 21 years of age;398 (2) Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, and399 integrity, and financial responsibility;400 (3) Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:401 (A) Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or402 university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building403 construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven404 experience working as or in the employment of a residential contractor, commercial405 general contractor, or other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the406 division;407 (B) Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any408 accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the409 S. B. 503 - 16 - 24 LC 36 5753 employment of a residential contractor, commercial general contractor, or other proven410 experience deemed substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in411 the aggregate. For purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college,412 or community college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level413 courses; or414 (C) Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a415 construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the416 employment of a residential contractor, or other proven experience deemed acceptable417 by the division; and418 (4) Has had significant responsibility for the successful performance and completion of419 at least two projects falling within the residence-light commercial category in the four420 years immediately preceding application.421 (d) A person shall be eligible for licensure as a commercial general contractor by the422 commercial general contractor division if the person:423 (1) Is at least 21 years of age;424 (2) Is of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to competency, ability, integrity,425 and financial responsibility; and426 (3) Meets eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:427 (A) Has received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or428 university in the field of engineering, architecture, construction management, building429 construction, or other field acceptable to the division and has at least one year of proven430 experience working as or in the employment of a commercial general contractor or431 other proven experience deemed substantially similar by the division;432 (B) Has a combination acceptable to the division of academic credits from any433 accredited college-level courses and proven practical experience working as or in the434 employment of a commercial general contractor or other proven experience deemed435 substantially similar by the division equaling at least four years in the aggregate. For436 S. B. 503 - 17 - 24 LC 36 5753 purposes of this subparagraph, all university, college, junior college, or community 437 college-level courses shall be considered accredited college-level courses; or438 (C) Has a total of at least four years of proven active experience working in a439 construction industry related field, at least two of which shall have been as or in the440 employment of a commercial general contractor, or other proven experience deemed441 acceptable by the division and at least one of which shall have been in or relating to442 administration, marketing, accounting, estimating, drafting, engineering, supervision,443 or project management, or functions deemed substantially similar by the division.444 (e)(1) Before being entitled to take an examination or otherwise qualify for issuance of445 a license, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the residential contractor division446 or commercial general contractor division from the application and proofs furnished that447 the applicant is possessed of a good character and is otherwise qualified as to448 competency, ability, and integrity, and financial responsibility. The application shall449 include a list of all persons, entities, and business organizations that the applicant will be450 affiliated with as a licensed residential contractor or commercial general contractor,451 whether by way of employment, ownership, serving as an owner or director, partnership,452 or membership or by serving as a qualifying agent under this chapter. Applicants for a453 general contractor license shall provide proof of a minimum net worth in an amount454 which is specified by the general contractor division. Additionally, all applicants shall455 provide proof of general liability insurance and of workers' compensation insurance as456 required by the laws of this state in their name. However, if and to the extent the457 applicant is submitted as a person seeking to act as a qualifying agent of a particular458 business organization, such proofs and information shall relate and pertain to such459 business organization rather than the individual applicant, subject to the limitations set460 forth in subsection (d) of Code Section 43-41-9. All applicants shall also provide their461 social security numbers, if applying as an individual, or the federal taxpayer identification462 numbers of any business organization for which the applicant is seeking licensure as a463 S. B. 503 - 18 - 24 LC 36 5753 qualifying agent. Applicants for a commercial general contractor's license shall also464 provide suitable verification of tax payments in a form and manner and for the duration465 prescribed by the commercial general contractor division; provided, however, that where466 the application is seeking license as a qualifying agent of a business organization, such467 tax verification and information shall relate and pertain to that business organization.468 (2) Before qualifying for issuance of a license, but not before being entitled to take an469 examination, an applicant must show to the satisfaction of the appropriate division that470 the applicant is qualified as to financial responsibility. Applicants for a commercial471 general contractor license shall provide proof of a minimum net worth in an amount472 specified by the commercial general contractor division. All applicants shall provide473 proof of general liability insurance in an amount specified by the appropriate division and474 proof of workers' compensation insurance as required by the laws of this state. If the475 applicant is submitted as a person seeking to act as a qualifying agent of a business476 organization, then such proof shall pertain to that business organization rather than the477 individual applicant, subject to the limitations set forth in Code Section 43-41-9. A478 certificate by the insurer or other appropriate evidence of insurance coverages shall be479 maintained with the appropriate division and shall be a condition of renewal.480 (3) The decision of the appropriate division as to the qualifications of applicants shall,481 in the absence of fraud or willful or wanton misconduct, be conclusive. A certificate by482 the insurer or other appropriate evidence of such coverages shall be maintained with the483 appropriate division and shall be a condition of renewal.484 (4) A licensee, on his or her own behalf or where acting as a qualifying agent on behalf485 of the business organization so qualified, must notify the appropriate division in writing486 within 30 days of any changes in the information required to be on file with such487 division, including, but not limited to, the licensee's and, if the licensee is acting as a488 qualifying agent for any business organization, such business organization's current489 mailing address, insurance coverages, and affiliated entities.490 S. B. 503 - 19 - 24 LC 36 5753 (f)(1) The residential contractor division and the commercial general contractor division491 shall each conduct or cause to be conducted an examination of all qualified applicants,492 except those exempted from the examination requirement pursuant to Code Section493 43-41-8.494 (2) The residential contractor division shall conduct or cause to be conducted separate495 examinations for applicants for residential-basic and residential-light commercial licenses496 for the purpose of determining a particular applicant's ability to make a practical497 application of his or her knowledge of the profession of residential contracting in the498 particular subcategory for which a license is sought; the applicant's qualifications in499 reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of building codes, estimating500 costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar matters pertaining to such501 residential contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the responsibilities of a502 residential contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and suppliers; and his503 or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating to residential-basic504 and residential-light-commercial contractors, construction, workers' compensation,505 insurance, and liens.506 (3) The commercial general contractor division shall conduct or cause to be conducted507 an examination to ascertain the particular applicant's ability to make a practical508 application of his or her knowledge of the profession of commercial general contracting;509 the applicant's qualifications in reading plans and specifications; his or her knowledge of510 building codes, estimating costs, construction, ethics, contracting, and other similar511 matters pertaining to the general contracting business; his or her knowledge as to the512 responsibilities of a general contractor to the public and to owners, subcontractors, and513 suppliers; and his or her knowledge of the requirements of the laws of this state relating514 to general contractors, construction, workers' compensation, insurance, surety bonding,515 and liens.516 S. B. 503 - 20 - 24 LC 36 5753 (4) If the results of the applicant's examination are satisfactory to the appropriate 517 division, or he or she is exempted from the examination requirement under Code Section518 43-41-8, and if he or she and any affiliated business organization has met the other519 qualifications and requirements set forth in this Code section, then the appropriate520 division shall issue to the applicant a license to engage in business as a residential or521 commercial general contractor in this state, as provided in such license, in his or her own522 name as a sole proprietor or as a qualifying agent for the affiliated business organization523 and in the name of such business organization, pursuant to and in accordance with the524 requirements set forth in Code Section 43-41-9. A residential contracting license shall525 indicate for which of the two subcategories, residential-basic or residential-light526 commercial, the licensee is qualified.527 (g) Any otherwise qualified applicant failing this examination may be reexamined at any528 regularly scheduled examination within one year of the date of original application upon529 payment of a reexamination fee, in an amount to be set by the board, without need to530 resubmit an application, unless any information set forth in the previously submitted531 application is no longer accurate or complete. Anyone requesting to take the examination532 a third fourth or subsequent time shall wait at least one calendar year after the taking of the533 last examination date of original application and shall submit an application with the534 appropriate examination fees.535 (h) A residential contractor license, indicating whether relating to the residential-basic or536 residential-light commercial category, or commercial general contractor license shall be537 issued to an applicant who successfully completes the respective requirements therefor538 upon the payment of fees prescribed by the board.539 (i) Such licenses shall be renewable biennially. Licenses may be renewed subsequent to540 their expiration within six months of the date of expiration by submitting a renewal as541 prescribed by the board and paying a late renewal fee as determined by the board. After542 S. B. 503 - 21 - 24 LC 36 5753 six months has elapsed from the date of expiration, such license may be reinstated in 543 accordance with the rules and regulations of the board.544 (j) The division director shall give advance notice to each person holding a license under545 this chapter of the date of the expiration of the certificate of registration and the amount of546 the fee required for renewal at least one month prior to the expiration date, but the failure547 to receive such notice shall not avoid the expiration of any license not renewed in548 accordance with this Code section.549 (k) As a condition of renewal, the appropriate division may require licensees to complete550 division approved continuing education of not more than three hours annually for a551 residential-basic license, six hours annually for a residential-light commercial license, and552 eight hours annually for a commercial general contractor license.553 43-41-7.554 A licensed residential contractor and any affiliated entities shall offer a written warranty555 in connection with each contract to construct, or superintend or manage the construction556 of, any single-family residence where the total value of the work or activity or the557 compensation to be received by the contractor for such activity or work exceeds $2,500.00. 558 The residential contractor division shall establish the minimum requirements of such559 warranty. The parties to the warranty may agree to submit any or all disputes arising under560 the warranty to arbitration. Such agreement to arbitrate shall be enforceable as provided561 in Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 9 of Title 9, the 'Georgia Arbitration Code.'562 43-41-8.563 (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the following564 persons desiring to qualify for a residential contractor license or a commercial general565 contractor license under the provisions of this chapter, either individually or as a qualifying566 agent, shall be eligible for issuance of such a license by the appropriate division without567 S. B. 503 - 22 - 24 LC 36 5753 examination, provided that such person submits a proper application and proofs, pays or 568 has paid the required fees, otherwise meets the requirements of Code Section 43-41-6 for569 licensure, and is not otherwise in violation of this chapter:570 (1) Any person who holds a current and valid license to engage in the comparable 571 category of residential or general contracting issued to him or her by any governing572 authority of any political subdivision of this state which requires passing an examination573 which is substantially similar to the state examination for residential or general574 contractors, provided that such person is a Georgia resident and citizen, if an individual575 applying in his or her own behalf, or is seeking licensure as a qualifying agent for a576 business organization incorporated in Georgia or otherwise authorized and certified to577 transact business in Georgia with a regular office and place of business in Georgia578 currently and having had such office and place of business continuously for the five years579 immediately preceding such application; provided, further, that the examination results580 are made available to the appropriate division. Such application and request for581 exemption must be submitted within the time limits set forth in subsection (a) of Code582 Section 43-41-17;583 (2) Any person who has successfully and efficiently engaged in the comparable category584 of residential or general contracting in this state as provided in this Code section;585 provided, however, that such person shall be either a resident and citizen of the State of586 Georgia or, if applying as a qualifying agent for a business organization, such business587 organization shall be either incorporated in Georgia or is a business organization588 otherwise authorized and certified to transact business in Georgia with a regular office589 and place of business in Georgia currently and having had such office and place of590 business continuously for the five years immediately preceding such application;591 provided, further, that such application and request for exemption is submitted within the592 time limits set forth in subsection (a) of Code Section 43-41-17. To prove that he or she593 has successfully engaged in residential-basic or residential-light commercial projects, the594 S. B. 503 - 23 - 24 LC 36 5753 person shall be required to give evidence of three successful projects located in Georgia595 which were successfully completed over the period of five years immediately prior to the596 time of application; evidence of ten successfully completed residential-basic or597 residential-light commercial projects located in Georgia over the period of ten years598 immediately prior to the time of application; or evidence that he or she has participated599 in or been engaged in residential-basic or residential-light commercial construction in a600 supervisory or management capacity for seven of the ten years immediately prior to the601 time of application. To prove that he or she has successfully engaged in commercial602 general contracting, the person submitting the application shall be required to give603 evidence of five successful general contracting projects located in Georgia which were604 successfully completed over the period of five years immediately prior to the time of605 application or evidence of ten successful general contracting projects located in Georgia606 which were successfully completed over the period of ten years immediately prior to the607 time of application, such projects having been performed either by such person acting as608 an individual or by a business organization in which such individual person was affiliated609 by employment or ownership and over which such person had general oversight and610 management responsibilities;611 (3)(1) Any person who holds a current and valid license to practice a comparable612 category of residential or commercial general contracting issued by another state or613 territory of the United States, where either such state or territory has entered into a614 reciprocal agreement with the board and divisions for the recognition of contractor615 licenses issued in that state or territory, or such application is pursuant to and in616 accordance with the regulations and requirements for reciprocity promulgated by the617 divisions in accordance with subsection (b) of Code Section 43-41-5. Additionally, such618 application shall meet the following requirements:619 S. B. 503 - 24 - 24 LC 36 5753 (A) The criteria for issuance of such license or certification by such other state or 620 territory, including the requirement to successfully complete an examination, were621 substantially equivalent to Georgia's current license criteria;622 (B) The application requirements and application form submitted to the other state or623 territory upon which such license was issued are available for review by the appropriate624 division and the examination results are made available to the appropriate division;625 (C) The applicant shall demonstrate that he or she meets the qualifications,626 requirements, and criteria set forth in subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) through (e) of627 Code Section 43-41-6; and628 (D) The applicant is otherwise in compliance with all requirements of this state for629 transaction of such business within this state; provided, however, that such application630 and request for exemption shall be submitted in accordance with subsection (a) of Code631 Section 43-41-17; and632 (4)(2) Any person who holds a current and valid license issued under this chapter to633 engage in the comparable category of residential or commercial general contracting634 which license was issued to him or her in their capacity either as an individual licensee635 or as a qualifying agent for a business organization.636 (b) Any applicant for issuance of a residential contractor or commercial general contractor637 license under this title who shall seek exemption from the examination requirement under638 this Code section, on any basis set forth above, shall have the burden of establishing to the639 satisfaction and within the discretion of the appropriate division that the requirements for640 such exemption have been satisfied. The decision of such division as to the satisfaction of641 the requirements for such exemption from taking the examination shall, in the absence of642 fraud, be conclusive.643 (c) Any business organization that had an applicant submit a complete and satisfactory644 application pursuant to this Code section, but was not issued a license due to the death of645 the qualifying agent applicant prior to the issuance of the license, shall remain eligible for646 S. B. 503 - 25 - 24 LC 36 5753 consideration under this Code section with the submission of a new qualifying agent 647 applicant for such business entity.648 43-41-9.649 (a) If an individual applicant proposes to engage in residential or commercial general650 contracting in the individual's own name or a trade name where the individual is doing651 business as a sole proprietorship, the license shall be issued only to that individual. Where652 an applicant under this chapter is seeking issuance of a residential or commercial general653 contractor license on behalf and for the benefit of a business organization seeking to654 engage in residential or commercial general contracting as a business organization, the655 application for a license under this chapter must be submitted by and through an individual656 qualifying agent for such business organization or entity and expressly on behalf of such657 business organization or entity. In such case, the license shall be issued to the individual658 qualifying agent and to the affiliated business organization or entity on whose behalf the659 application was made. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, or association660 to operate a business organization or entity engaged in the business of residential or661 commercial general contracting without first obtaining a license from the appropriate662 division after the effective date of the licensing requirements as specified in subsection (a)663 of Code Section 43-41-17. The appropriate division shall not issue a license to any664 business organization or entity to engage in residential or commercial general contracting665 unless such business organization or entity employs at least one currently licensed666 individual residential or commercial general contractor serving as its qualifying agent who667 is actually engaged by ownership or employment in the practice of residential or668 commercial general contracting for such business organization or entity and provides669 adequate supervision and is responsible for the projects of such business organization or670 entity. A business organization may allow more than one person to act as a qualifying671 agent for such organization, subject to each such individual qualifying agent having672 S. B. 503 - 26 - 24 LC 36 5753 successfully satisfied the requirements for issuance of a license under this chapter and 673 having obtained issuance of such a license by the appropriate division. Each such business674 organization shall have at least one qualifying agent in order to be considered authorized675 to engage in such contracting business.676 (b) The application for a license by a qualifying agent must include an affidavit on a form677 provided by the board attesting that the individual applicant has final approval authority678 for all construction work performed by the business organization or entity within the State679 of Georgia and that the individual applicant has final approval authority on all construction680 matters, including contracts and contract performance and financial affairs related to such681 construction matters, for each construction job for which his or her license was used to682 obtain the building permit.683 (c) A joint venture is considered a separate and distinct organization for licensing purposes684 under this chapter and must be qualified and licensed in accordance with the appropriate685 division's rules and regulations either:686 (1) In its own name as a separate business organization; or687 (2) By each of the members of the joint venture doing business as a residential contractor688 or commercial general contractor holding, as an individual or as a business organization689 acting through its qualifying agent, a valid and current residential or commercial general690 contractor's license issued by the appropriate division. Each such licensed individual or691 qualifying agent shall be considered a qualifying agent of such joint venture.692 (d) If, during the period encompassed by a license issued to a qualifying agent acting for693 and on behalf of an affiliated business organization, there is a change in any information694 that is required to be stated on the application, the business organization shall, within 45695 days after such change occurs, furnish the correct information to the appropriate division.696 (e)(1) At least one qualifying agent shall be licensed under this chapter in order for the697 business organization to obtain a license as a residential or commercial general698 contractor. If any qualifying agent ceases to be affiliated with such business699 S. B. 503 - 27 - 24 LC 36 5753 organization, for any reason, he or she shall so inform the division having jurisdiction. 700 In addition, if such qualifying agent is the only qualifying agent licensed hereunder701 affiliated with the business organization, the business organization shall promptly notify702 the appropriate division of the termination of the relationship with that qualifying agent703 and shall have 120 180 days from the termination of the qualifying agent's affiliation with704 the business organization to employ another qualifying agent and submit an application705 for licensure under the new qualifying agent. The submission of such application shall706 serve to maintain the licensed status of the business organization pending and subject to707 approval of such application by the appropriate division; provided that, should such708 application be denied by that division, then, after the later of the passage of the 120 180709 day period or the denial of the application, the business organization shall cease to be710 considered licensed as a residential or a commercial general contractor unless and until711 a new application is submitted and approved by the appropriate division. In such712 circumstance, the affected business organization may not thereafter engage in residential713 or commercial general contracting until a new qualifying agent is employed; provided,714 however, that, unless the appropriate division has granted shall grant a temporary715 nonrenewable license to the financially responsible officer, the president or chief716 executive officer, a partner, or, in the case of a limited partnership, the general partner,717 who thereafter shall assume all responsibilities of a qualifying agent for the business718 organization or entity. This temporary license shall only allow the entity to proceed with719 incomplete contracts already in progress. For the purposes of this paragraph, an720 incomplete contract is one which has been awarded to, or entered into by, the business721 organization prior to the cessation of affiliation of the qualifying agent with the business722 organization being considered licensed as a residential or a commercial general contractor723 or one on which the business organization was the low bidder and the contract is724 subsequently awarded, regardless of whether any actual work has commenced under the725 contract prior to the qualifying agent business organization ceasing to be affiliated with726 S. B. 503 - 28 - 24 LC 36 5753 the business organization considered licensed as a residential or a commercial general727 contractor.728 (2) A person licensed under this chapter either as an individual doing business in his or729 her name or doing business in a trade name as a sole proprietor may serve as a qualifying730 agent for a business organization upon application and demonstration of satisfaction by731 such business organization of all financial and insurance requirements pursuant to Code732 Section 43-41-6. A qualifying agent may serve in such capacity for more than one733 business organization, provided that he or she shall satisfy the criteria for serving in such734 capacity with regard to each such business organization. A qualifying agent shall inform735 the division having jurisdiction in writing when he or she proposes to engage in736 contracting in his or her own name or in affiliation as a qualifying agent with another737 business organization, and he or she or such new business organization shall supply the738 same information to the division as required of applicants under this chapter. Such739 person shall be deemed to be a licensed residential or commercial general contractor for740 the original term of his or her license for the purpose of engaging in contracting as an741 individual in his or her own name, provided that he or she qualified for such license based742 on his or her own personal qualifications as to financial responsibility and insurance. 743 Otherwise, such individual shall be required to submit a new application demonstrating744 satisfaction of such financial and insurance requirements in order to engage in the745 business of contracting under this chapter as an individual in his or her own name or746 doing business as an individual in a trade name as a sole proprietor or by the business747 organization he or she desires to qualify in order to obtain a license for such other748 business organization, but such person shall be entitled to continue engaging in the749 business of residential or commercial general contracting in accordance with and under750 his or her previously issued license unless and until the appropriate division determines751 that the person seeking issuance of the license no longer meets these requirements.752 S. B. 503 - 29 - 24 LC 36 5753 (3) Upon a favorable determination by the division having jurisdiction, after 753 investigation of the financial responsibility, if applicable, and insurance of the applicant,754 the division shall notify the applicant, whether the applicant was previously approved as755 an individual or a qualifying agent, that the applicant is approved, without an756 examination, for a new license.757 (f) Disciplinary action and other sanctions provided in this chapter may be administered758 against a business organization operating under a license issued through its licensed759 qualifying agent or agents in the same manner and on the same grounds as disciplinary760 actions or sanctions against an individual or license holder acting as its qualifying agent761 under this chapter. The divisions or the board may deny the license to a qualifying agent762 for any business organization if the qualifying agent or business organization has been763 involved in past disciplinary actions or on any grounds for which individual licenses can764 be denied.765 (g) Each qualifying agent shall pay the appropriate division an amount equal to the original766 fee for a license applied for on behalf of a new business organization. If the qualifying767 agent for a business organization desires to qualify additional business organizations, the768 division shall require him or her to present evidence of the financial responsibility, if769 applicable, and insurance of each such organization.770 (h) All qualifying agents for a business organization are jointly and equally responsible for771 supervision of all construction related operations of the business organization, for all field772 work at all sites, and for financial matters within the State of Georgia for each construction773 job for which his or her license was used to obtain the building permit.774 (i) Any change in the status of a qualifying agent is prospective only. A qualifying agent775 shall for purposes of application of this chapter and the enforcement and disciplinary776 mechanisms thereunder be and remain responsible for his or her actions or omissions as777 well as those of the business organization for which such person had acted as a qualifying778 agent occurring during his or her period of service as such qualifying agent as and to the779 S. B. 503 - 30 - 24 LC 36 5753 extent set forth in this chapter. A qualifying agent is not responsible for his or her 780 predecessor's actions, but is responsible, even after a change in status, for matters for which781 he or she was responsible while in a particular status. Further, nothing in this chapter shall782 be interpreted as a basis for imposition of civil liability against an individual qualifying783 agent by any owner or other third party claimant beyond the liability that would otherwise784 exist legally or contractually apart from and independent of the individual's status as a785 qualifying agent.786 43-41-10.787 (a) In addition to the powers and authorities conferred upon the board and its divisions788 pursuant to Chapter 1 of this title, the residential contractor division and the commercial 789 general contractor division shall have the power, respectively, to reprimand any person or790 licensee, or to suspend, revoke, or refuse to grant, renew, or restore a license to any person791 or licensee if such person or licensee is found by the appropriate division to have engaged792 in any fraud or deceit in obtaining a license or otherwise to have engaged in gross793 negligence, repeated or persistent incompetence, intentional misconduct in the practice of794 his or her profession, or willful violation of any provisions of this chapter.795 (b) For purposes of this Code section, a person or business organization operating on an796 expired, revoked, lapsed, or suspended license shall be considered unlicensed.797 (c) The separate divisions may issue a stop-work order for all unlicensed work falling798 within their respective jurisdictions upon finding probable cause to believe that799 construction work which requires a license under this chapter is being performed by a800 person without such a current, valid license. Such an order may be enforced by injunctive801 relief, cease and desist orders, or other related actions within the power and authority of the802 board and its respective divisions.803 (d) The division having jurisdiction shall investigate and sanction any license holder found804 to have engaged in fraud, deceit, gross negligence, repeated or persistent incompetence, or805 S. B. 503 - 31 - 24 LC 36 5753 intentional misconduct in the practice of residential or commercial general contracting; and806 sanctions shall be assessed against any such residential or commercial general contractor807 licensed under this chapter either individually or as a business organization acting through808 a qualifying agent. Such charges, unless dismissed without hearing by the division as809 unfounded, shall be heard and determined by that division in accordance with the810 provisions of Chapter 13 of Title 50, the 'Georgia Administrative Procedure Act.'811 (e) The divisions shall each adopt and publish in print or electronically rules and812 regulations, consistent with the provisions of this chapter, governing the suspension and813 revocation of licenses.814 (f) Each division may reissue a license to any person whose license has been revoked or815 lift a suspension of a license to such person provided that four or more members of the816 division vote in favor of such reissuance or lifting for reasons that division deems817 sufficient.818 43-41-11.819 The issuance of a license by the residential contractor or the commercial general contractor820 division shall be evidence that the person named therein, including both the individual821 licensee and any business organization for whom such licensee is a qualifying agent, is822 entitled to all the rights and privileges of a licensed residential or commercial general823 contractor while such license remains unrevoked or unexpired.824 43-41-12.825 (a) Any person, whether an individual or a business organization, who:826 (1) Contracts for or bids upon or engages in the construction of any of the projects or827 works enumerated in the definitions of residential contractor or commercial general828 contractor in Code Section 43-41-2 without having first complied with the appropriate829 S. B. 503 - 32 - 24 LC 36 5753 provisions of this chapter or who shall attempt to practice residential contracting or 830 commercial general contracting in this state except as provided for in this chapter;831 (2) Falsely represents, advertises, or holds himself or herself or an affiliated business832 organization out as a residential contractor or commercial general contractor licensee833 duly authorized to perform work under such classification of licensure pursuant to this834 chapter;835 (3) Represents or attempts to use or presents as his or her own the license of another836 person or, in the case of a business organization, a person other than its qualifying agent;837 (4) Gives false or forged evidence of any kind to the board or its divisions or to any838 member of the board in maintaining a license;839 (5) Uses an expired, suspended, or revoked license to continue engaging in residential840 contracting or commercial general contracting;841 (6) Operates a business organization engaged in contracting after 120 180 days following842 the termination of its only qualifying agent without designating another primary843 qualifying agent, except as provided in Code Section 43-41-9; or844 (7) Intentionally and repeatedly misrepresents or manipulates the value or percentage of845 work at the time of contract under subsections (e) and (f) of Code Section 43-41-17 to846 avoid the licensing requirements of this chapter,847 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished for each such848 offense by a fine of not less than $500.00 $1,000.00 or imprisonment of three months, or849 both fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court.850 (b) Any architect or engineer who recommends to any project owner the award of a851 contract to anyone known by such architect or engineer not to be properly licensed under852 this chapter shall be subject to such penalties as provided in subsection (a) of this Code853 section and also to any appropriate disciplinary action by the appropriate division.854 (c) Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, any person who violates any855 provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.856 S. B. 503 - 33 - 24 LC 36 5753 43-41-13. 857 Whenever it appears to the board or either division of the board that any person, whether858 an individual or a business organization, or both, is violating any of the provisions of this859 chapter or of the rules and regulations of the board or either division promulgated under860 this chapter, the board or division may apply to the superior court of the county in which861 such individual resides or business is located for a restraining order and injunction to862 restrain the violation, and the superior court shall have jurisdiction to grant the requested863 relief, irrespective of whether criminal prosecution has been instituted or administrative864 sanctions have been imposed by reason of the violation.865 43-41-14.866 (a)(1) Any person, whether an individual or a business organization acting through a867 qualifying agent, intending to perform work as a residential or commercial general868 contractor, upon making application to the building inspector or such other authority of869 any incorporated municipality or county in this state charged with the duty of issuing870 building or other permits for contemplated construction work requiring performance by871 either a licensed residential contractor or a licensed commercial general contractor shall,872 before being entitled to the issuance of such permit, furnish to such inspector or authority,873 personally or through his or her authorized agent specifically designated to act on his or874 her behalf in a sworn written document submitted contemporaneously or previously875 submitted and maintained by such inspector or authority, his or her residential contractor876 or commercial general contractor license number and the identity of any business877 organization for which such applicant is serving as qualifying agent that is undertaking878 or contracting as a residential contractor or a commercial general contractor to construct879 or manage the construction. It shall be unlawful for any such building inspector or other880 authority to issue or allow the issuance of such building permit unless the applicant has881 furnished his or her residential contractor or commercial general contractor license882 S. B. 503 - 34 - 24 LC 36 5753 number and the identity of any such business organization relative to performance of the 883 work for which a permit has been applied. A building inspector or other authority shall884 issue such building permit under the terms of this Code section to any person, including885 an individual licensee acting on his or her own behalf or a licensee acting as a qualifying886 agent for a business organization and such business organization, upon evidence887 reasonably establishing that such person is duly licensed as a residential or commercial 888 general contractor under this chapter, either individually or as a business organization889 acting under a duly licensed qualifying agent. Any building inspector or other such890 authority that issues such a building permit to a person known by such building inspector891 or authority not to be properly licensed under this chapter shall be guilty of a892 misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500.00893 $1,000.00.894 (2) Any business organization acting under paragraph (1) of subsection (e) of Code895 Section 43-41-9 after the termination of its qualifying agent's affiliation with the business896 organization, upon applying to the building inspector or such other authority of any897 incorporated municipality or county in this state charged with the duty of issuing permits898 for contemplated construction work requiring performance by a licensed residential or899 commercial general contractor shall, before being entitled to the issuance of such permit,900 furnish to such inspector or authority a sworn written document by the financially901 responsible officer, the president or chief executive officer, the partner, or, in the case of902 a limited partnership, the general partner, who has assumed all responsibilities of a903 qualifying agent for the business organization, attesting that the permit application is904 made within 180 days after the termination of its qualifying agent's affiliation with the905 business organization, or is made after submission of an application for licensure under906 a new qualifying agent that is pending before the appropriate division of the board, or is907 made under a temporary nonrenewable license granted by the appropriate division of the908 board. It shall be unlawful for any such building inspector or other authority to issue or909 S. B. 503 - 35 - 24 LC 36 5753 allow the issuance of such building permit unless the applicant has furnished this sworn910 written document. A building inspector or other authority shall issue such building911 permit under the terms of this Code section to any business organization upon evidence912 reasonably establishing that such business organization is acting as authorized under913 paragraph (1) of subsection (e) of Code Section 43-41-9 after the termination of its914 qualifying agent's affiliation with the business organization. Any building inspector or915 other such authority that issues such a building permit to a person known by such916 building inspector or authority not to be acting as authorized under paragraph (1) of917 subsection (e) of Code Section 43-41-9 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon918 conviction, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000.00.919 (b) The licensing requirements imposed by this chapter and the effective dates of such920 licensing requirements must be posted by any county or municipality in this state charged921 with the duty of issuing building or other permits for construction work requiring922 performance by either a licensed residential contractor or a licensed commercial general923 contractor in the same location in which such building or other permits are issued.924 43-41-15.925 If an incomplete contract exists at the time of death of a residential or commercial general926 contractor, where the licensed contractor performing the work under such contract is an927 individual person and not a business organization acting through a qualifying agent for928 such organization, the contract may be completed by any person affiliated with the929 contractor as a co-owner, partner, employee, relative, heir, successor, or assign, even930 though not licensed under this chapter, subject to the terms of this Code section. Such931 person shall notify the appropriate division of the board within 30 days after the death of932 such contractor of such death and of his or her name and address, knowledge of the933 contract, and ability technically and financially to complete it. Such person may continue934 with performance of the contract pending approval by the division. If the division935 S. B. 503 - 36 - 24 LC 36 5753 approves, he or she may proceed with the contract to completion. If the division does not 936 approve completion by such person, due to a determination that he or she does not have937 sufficient knowledge, expertise, or financial or other required resources, the division shall938 give prompt written notice to the person, including the reasons for such rejection, and such939 person shall promptly upon receipt of such notice cease further performance of the940 contract. If the owner engages another person under a new contract to complete the941 remaining work under the original contract, such other party must be a contractor duly942 licensed under this chapter to perform such work. For purposes of this Code section, an943 incomplete contract is one which has been awarded to or entered into by the contractor944 before his or her death or on which he or she was the low bidder and the contract is945 subsequently awarded to him or her, regardless of whether any actual work has commenced946 under the contract before the contractor's death. If an incomplete contract exists at the time947 of death of a sole qualifying agent of a residential contractor or a commercial general948 contractor, where the contractor is a business organization licensed only under such949 individual as its qualifying agent, then the contractor shall proceed as provided under950 paragraph (1) of subsection (e) of Code Section 43-41-9.951 43-41-16.952 (a) The board shall have the authority to refuse to grant a license to an applicant or to953 revoke the license of a person licensed by the board or to discipline a person licensed by954 the board upon a finding by a majority of the board that the applicant or licensee has955 committed any of the following acts:956 (1) Obtaining a license by fraud or misrepresentation or otherwise knowingly giving957 false or forged evidence to the board or its divisions;958 (2) Being convicted or found guilty of or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to959 a criminal act constituting a felony in any jurisdiction which directly relates to the960 S. B. 503 - 37 - 24 LC 36 5753 practice of residential or commercial general contracting or the ability to practice961 contracting;962 (3) Performing any act which assists a person or entity in the prohibited unlicensed963 practice of contracting if the licensee knows or has reasonable grounds to know that the964 person or entity is unlicensed;965 (4) Knowingly combining or conspiring with an unlicensed person by allowing his or her966 license to be used with the intent to evade the provisions of this chapter. When an967 individual license holder allows his or her license to be used to qualify one or more968 business organizations, including where such qualifying agent for a person engaged in969 general contracting does not actually possess and exercise the power and authority970 required of a qualifying agent under paragraph (7) of Code Section 43-41-2 and Code971 Section 43-41-9, such act constitutes prima-facie evidence of an intent to evade the972 provisions of this chapter;973 (5) Failing in any material respect to comply with the provisions of this chapter or974 violating a rule, regulation, or lawful order of the board or its divisions;975 (6) Abandoning a construction project in which the contractor who is the individual976 license holder or a business organization for whom the license holder is a qualifying977 agent is engaged or under contract as a residential or commercial general contractor. A978 project may be presumed abandoned after 90 days if the contractor has ceased work on979 or terminated performance on the project without just cause and without proper980 notification to the owner, including the reason for the termination, cessation, or981 abandonment;982 (7) Signing a statement with respect to a project or contract falsely indicating that the983 work is bonded; knowingly and falsely indicating by written statement issued to the984 owner that payment has been made for all subcontracted work, labor, and materials and985 for all materials furnished and installed which statement is reasonably relied upon and986 S. B. 503 - 38 - 24 LC 36 5753 actually results in a financial loss to the owner; or falsely indicating that workers' 987 compensation and general liability insurance are provided;988 (8) Committing fraud or deceit in the practice of contracting, including falsely989 advertising, representing, or holding himself or herself or an affiliated business990 organization out as having a valid and current license under this chapter;991 (9) Committing gross negligence, repeated or persistent negligence, or negligence992 resulting in a significant danger to life or property;993 (10) Proceeding on any job without obtaining applicable local building permits and994 inspections;995 (11) Using or attempting to use a license that has expired or has been suspended or996 revoked;997 (12) Knowingly or intentionally engaging any subcontractor to perform work within the998 scope of the general or residential construction contract which requires a license under999 Chapter 14 of this title who does not possess a current and valid license for such work;1000 or1001 (13) Failing to satisfy within a reasonable time the terms of a final civil judgment1002 obtained against the licensee or the business organization qualified by the licensee1003 relating to the practice of the licensee's profession.1004 (b) The appropriate division may take any one or more of the following actions against any1005 license holder found by the division to have committed any one or more of the acts listed1006 in subsection (a) of this Code section:1007 (1) Place the license holder on probation or reprimand the license holder;1008 (2) Revoke a license, including the license of a person as an individual as well as that of1009 a qualifying agent of a business organization together with the interest of the business1010 organization qualified thereby in such license; suspend such a license for a stated period1011 of time not exceeding one year; or deny the issuance or renewal of the license;1012 S. B. 503 - 39 - 24 LC 36 5753 (3) Require financial restitution to a consumer for financial harm directly related to a 1013 violation of a provision of this chapter;1014 (4) Impose an administrative fine not to exceed $5,000.00 for each violation;1015 (5) Require continuing education; or1016 (6) Assess costs associated with the investigation and prosecution.1017 (c) In determining penalties in any final order of the board or a division, the board or1018 division shall follow the penalty guidelines established by the board's or division's rules1019 and regulations.1020 (d) The board or a division may assess interest or penalties on all fines imposed under this1021 chapter against any person or business organization which has not paid the imposed fine1022 by the due date established by rule, regulation, or final order.1023 (e) If the board or a division finds any contractor has violated the provisions of this1024 chapter, the board or division may as a part of its disciplinary action require such contractor1025 to obtain continuing education in the areas of contracting affected by such violation.1026 43-41-17.1027 (a) The licensing requirements imposed by this chapter and the sanctions and 1028 consequences relating thereto shall not become effective and enforceable until July 1, 2008. 1029 On and after such date, no No person, whether an individual or a business organization,1030 shall have the right to engage in the business of residential contracting or commercial1031 general contracting without a current, valid residential contractor license or commercial1032 general contractor license, respectively, issued by the division under this chapter or, in the1033 case of a business organization, unless such business organization shall have a qualifying1034 agent as provided in this chapter holding such a current, valid residential contractor or1035 commercial general contractor license on behalf of such organization issued to such1036 qualifying agent as provided in this chapter. Notwithstanding the foregoing, persons1037 seeking licensure under this chapter and exemption from examination under paragraphs (1)1038 S. B. 503 - 40 - 24 LC 36 5753 and (2) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-41-8 shall submit their applications, including1039 all necessary proof of the basis of exemption from examination for such license, starting1040 January 1, 2006. The period for submission of such applications and requests for1041 exemption from the examination requirements shall extend thereafter for a period of 181042 months. Furthermore, notwithstanding the foregoing, any person seeking licensure under1043 this chapter and exemption from examination under paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Code1044 Section 43-41-8 may submit his or her application, including all necessary proof of the1045 basis of such exemption starting January 1, 2007, and continuing thereafter.1046 (b) As a matter of public policy, any contract entered into on or after July 1, 2008, for the1047 performance of work for which a residential contractor or commercial general contractor1048 license is required by this chapter and not otherwise exempted under this chapter and which1049 is between an owner and a contractor who does not have a valid and current license1050 required for such work in accordance with this chapter shall be unenforceable in law or in1051 equity by the unlicensed contractor. For purposes of this subsection, a contractor shall be1052 considered unlicensed only if the contractor was unlicensed on the effective date of the1053 original contract for the work, if stated therein, or, if not stated, the date the last party to the1054 contract executed such contract, if stated therein. If the contract does not establish such a1055 date, the contractor shall be considered unlicensed only if the contractor was unlicensed on1056 the first date upon which the contractor provided labor, services, or materials under the1057 contract. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, if a contract is1058 rendered unenforceable under this subsection, no lien or bond claim shall exist in favor of1059 the unlicensed contractor for any labor, services, or materials provided under the contract1060 or any amendment thereto. This subsection shall not affect the rights of parties other than1061 the unlicensed contractor to enforce contract, lien, or bond remedies. This subsection shall1062 not affect the obligations of a surety that has provided a bond on behalf of an unlicensed1063 contractor. It shall not be a defense to any claim on a bond or indemnity agreement that1064 the principal or indemnitor is unlicensed for purposes of this subsection.1065 S. B. 503 - 41 - 24 LC 36 5753 (c) Any person who holds a license issued under this chapter may engage in the business 1066 of residential or commercial general contracting, but only as prescribed by the license,1067 throughout the state and no municipality or county may require any such person licensed1068 under this chapter to comply with any additional licensing requirements imposed by such1069 municipality or county relative to the performance of construction work subject to the1070 licensing requirements under this chapter. However, nothing in this chapter shall preclude1071 the implementation and enforcement by any municipality or county of a local rule,1072 regulation, ordinance, order, or other requirement in effect and operation as of July 1, 2004,1073 that requires a person to obtain a locally issued license, registration, or certification in order1074 to:1075 (1) Engage in the construction of improvements to real property to the extent such1076 activities are not encompassed by this chapter or by Chapter 14 of this title; or1077 (2) Engage in residential or commercial general contracting within such jurisdiction;1078 provided, however, that:1079 (A) The requirements and criteria for issuance of such local license, registration, or1080 certification shall have been at least as strict and stringent, in the sole judgment of the1081 board, as those for the issuance of a corresponding state-wide license issued under this1082 chapter;1083 (B) Such local license, registration, or certification shall only apply to activities1084 performed within the geographical limits of such municipality or county; and1085 (C) Such requirement shall not prevent or foreclose any contractor not holding such1086 local license, registration, or certification but holding a valid and current state-wide1087 license issued under this chapter or Chapter 14 of this title from the transaction of1088 contracting business in such local jurisdiction within the scope of his or her state-wide1089 license.1090 (d) Any person qualified by the Department of Transportation to perform construction1091 work on roads, streets, bridges, highways, sidewalks, or other grading, paving, or repaving1092 S. B. 503 - 42 - 24 LC 36 5753 projects; airport runways or taxiways; or railroads, and services incidental thereto, for the 1093 department shall not be required to be licensed under this chapter in order to perform any1094 such work for the department or for any other owner requiring similar work to be1095 performed. The commercial general contractor division of the board, in agreement with1096 the Department of Transportation, shall, by rule, define 'services incidental thereto' for the1097 purposes of this subsection only and shall likewise define any other necessary terms as to1098 the scope of the exemption provided by this subsection.1099 (e) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent any person holding a valid license issued by the1100 State Construction Industry Licensing Board, or any division thereof, pursuant to Chapter1101 14 of this title from performing any work defined in the Code sections under which the1102 license held by said person was issued. Furthermore, nothing in this chapter shall preclude1103 a person licensed under Chapter 14 of this title to perform plumbing, conditioned air1104 contracting, utility contracting, electrical contracting, or low-voltage contracting from1105 offering to perform, performing, engaging in, or contracting to engage in the performance1106 of construction work or services directly with an owner, which work would otherwise1107 require a license under this chapter, where the total scope of the work to be performed is1108 predominantly of the type for which such contractor is duly licensed to perform under1109 Chapter 14 of this title such that any other work involved is incidental to and an integral1110 part of the work performed within the scope of such license under said chapter and does1111 not exceed the greater of $10,000.00 or 25 percent of the total value at the time of1112 contracting of the work to be performed; provided, however, that such contractor may not1113 delegate or assign the responsibility to directly supervise and manage the performance of1114 such other work to a person unless such person is licensed under this chapter and the work1115 being performed by such person is within the scope of that person's license.1116 (f) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a specialty contractor from offering or1117 contracting to perform or undertaking or performing for an owner limited, specialty, or1118 specific trade contractor work. However, nothing in this chapter shall permit a specialty1119 S. B. 503 - 43 - 24 LC 36 5753 contractor to perform work falling within the licensing requirements of Chapter 14 of this 1120 title where such specialty contractor is not duly licensed under such chapter to perform1121 such work. The board shall, by rule or policy by January 1, 2008, identify specialty1122 contractors or other criteria to determine eligibility under the exemption of this subsection. 1123 The specialty contractor otherwise exempted from license requirements under this chapter1124 may perform work for an owner that would otherwise require a license under this chapter1125 where the total scope of the work to be performed is predominantly of the type for which1126 such specialty contractor is duly recognized as exempt under this subsection by the board,1127 provided that such other work involved is incidental to and an integral part of the exempt1128 work performed by the specialty contractor and does not exceed the greater of $10,000.001129 or 25 percent of the total value at the time of contracting of the work to be performed.1130 (g) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude a person from offering or contracting to perform1131 or undertaking or performing for an owner repair work, provided that the person1132 performing the repair work discloses to the owner that such person does not hold a license1133 under this chapter and provided, further, that such work does not affect the structural1134 integrity of the real property. The board shall by rule or regulation further define the term1135 'repair' as used in this subsection and any other necessary terms as to the scope of this1136 exemption.1137 (h) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude any person from constructing a building or1138 structure on real property owned by such person which is intended upon completion for use1139 or occupancy solely by that person and his or her family, firm, or corporation and its1140 employees, and not for use by the general public and not offered for sale or lease. In so1141 doing, such person may act as his or her own contractor personally providing direct1142 supervision and management of all work not performed by licensed contractors. However,1143 if, under this subsection, the person or his or her family, firm, or corporation has previously1144 sold or transferred a building or structure which had been constructed by such person1145 acting without a licensed residential or commercial general contractor within the prior 241146 S. B. 503 - 44 - 24 LC 36 5753 month period, starting from the date on which a certificate of occupancy was issued for 1147 such building or structure, then such person may not, under this subsection, construct1148 another separate building or structure without having first obtained on his or her own1149 behalf an appropriate residential or commercial general contractor license or having1150 engaged such a duly licensed contractor to perform such work to the extent required under1151 this chapter, or it shall be presumed that the person, firm, or corporation did not intend such1152 building solely for occupancy by that person and his or her family, firm, or corporation. 1153 Further, such person may not delegate the responsibility to directly supervise and manage1154 all or any part of the work relating thereto to any other person unless that person is licensed1155 under this chapter and the work being performed is within the scope of that person's1156 license. In any event, however, all such work must be done in conformity with all other1157 applicable provisions of this title, the rules and regulations of the board and division1158 involved, and any applicable county or municipal resolutions, ordinances, codes,1159 permitting, or inspection requirements.1160 (i) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude an architect licensed pursuant to Chapter 4 of this1161 title, an interior designer registered pursuant to Chapter 4 of this title, or an engineer1162 registered pursuant to Chapter 15 of this title from performing work or providing services1163 within the scope of his or her registration for the practice of architecture or interior design1164 or license for practicing engineering.1165 (j) Nothing in this chapter shall preclude an architect licensed pursuant to Chapter 4 of this1166 title, an interior designer registered pursuant to Chapter 4 of this title, or an engineer1167 registered pursuant to Chapter 15 of this title from offering to perform or offering or1168 rendering design-build services to an owner; provided, however, that such offer or contract1169 shall clearly indicate at the time of such offer or contract that all services of a commercial1170 general contractor incident to the design-build performance shall be performed by a duly1171 licensed commercial general contractor in compliance with other provisions of this chapter1172 and that all services so offered or provided falling within the scope of the licensing1173 S. B. 503 - 45 - 24 LC 36 5753 requirements of this chapter are offered and rendered by a licensed commercial general1174 contractor in accordance with this chapter.1175 (k) Nothing in this chapter shall apply to the construction, alteration, or repair of buildings1176 classified as an agricultural occupancy or that are used for agricultural storage or1177 agricultural purposes.1178 (l) A contractor licensed under this chapter shall not be required to list on the face of a bid1179 or proposal envelope the license number of any contractor licensed under Chapter 14 of1180 this title that may or will be engaged to perform any work within the licensing requirements1181 of Chapter 14 of this title which comprises part of the work for which such bid or proposal1182 is submitted.1183 (m) Dams, including both earth dams and concrete dams, designed for electrical1184 generation, water storage, or any other purpose may be constructed by either a commercial1185 general contractor licensed under this chapter or by a utility contractor licensed pursuant1186 to Chapter 14 of this title.1187 (n) Nothing in this chapter shall apply to the construction or installation of manufactured1188 homes as defined in paragraph (4) of Code Section 8-2-131.1189 43-41-18.1190 (a) As used in this Code section, the term:1191 (1) 'Discharge' means an honorable discharge or a general discharge from active military1192 service. Such term shall not mean a discharge under other than honorable conditions, a1193 bad conduct discharge, or a dishonorable discharge.1194 (2) 'Military' means the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the1195 armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard.1196 (b) A committee composed of the division director, members of the Governor's Office of1197 Workforce Development, and members of the licensing board representing the profession1198 of residential-light-commercial contracting shall determine the military specialties or1199 S. B. 503 - 46 - 24 LC 36 5753 certifications the training, experience, and testing for which substantially meet or exceed 1200 the requirements to obtain a residential- light-commercial contractor's license. The1201 Governor shall designate a chairperson from among the membership of the committee.1202 (c) Any current or former member of the military may apply to the licensing board for the1203 immediate issuance of a license or certification based upon his or her having obtained a1204 military specialty or certification the training or experience for which substantially meets1205 or exceeds the requirements to obtain a residential-light-commercial contractor's license. 1206 In order to qualify under this subsection, an applicant shall make application not later than1207 180 days after his or her discharge. Such application shall be in such form and shall1208 require such documentation as the division director shall determine. If the applicant1209 satisfies the requirements of this Code section, the division director shall direct the1210 appropriate division to issue the license, and such division shall immediately issue such1211 license; provided, however, that the applicant shall satisfy all financial and insurance1212 requirements for the issuance of such license. This Code section shall only apply to the1213 initial issuance of a license. After the initial issuance of a license, the licensee shall be1214 subject to any provisions relating to the renewal of the license applicable to all licensees.1215 43-41-19.1216 Reserved."1217 SECTION 2.1218 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.1219 S. B. 503 - 47 -