Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB187 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1	1		25 LC 55 0466S
2		-	House Bill 187 (COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)
3		-	By: Representatives Washburn of the 144
4		-	th
5		-	, Powell of the 33
6		-	rd
7		-	, McDonald III of the 26
8		-	th
9		-	,
10		-	Carpenter of the 4
11		-	th
12		-	, McCollum of the 30
13		-	th
14		-	, and others
	2	+	The House Committee on Regulated Industries offers the following substitute to HB 187:
15	3		A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
16	4		AN ACT
17		-	To amend Titles 8, 10, 36, 43, and 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
18		-	1
	5	+	To amend Titles 8, 10, 36, 43, and 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to1
19	6		buildings and housing, commerce and trade, local government, professions and businesses,2
20	7		and public utilities and public transportation, respectively, so as to change certain provisions3
21	8		relating to certain professions practicing in this state; to change certain provisions relating4
22	9		to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and5
23	10		utility contractors; to change certain definitions; to provide for qualifications of the State6
24	11		Construction Industry Licensing Board; to provide for certain restrictions relating to classes7
25	12		of low voltage licenses; to change certain provisions related to the power and duties of the8
26	13		divisions and the division director; to provide for additional licensing requirements; to9
27	14		provide requirements for license renewals and inactive licenses; to provide for approval of10
28	15		safety training; to change certain provisions relating to applicability; to provide for11
29	16		conforming cross-references and terminology; to provide for related matters; to provide for12
30	17		an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.13
31	18		BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:14
32	19		H. B. 187 (SUB)
33	20		- 1 - 25 LC 55 0466S
34		-	PART I
35		-	15
	21	+	PART I15
36	22		SECTION 1-1.16
37	23		Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses,17
38	24		is amended by revising Chapter 14, relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned18
39	25		air contractors, low-voltage contractors, and utility contractors, as follows:19
40	26		"CHAPTER 1420
41	27		43-14-1.21
42	28		This chapter is enacted for the purpose of safeguarding homeowners, other property22
43	29		owners, tenants, and the general public against faulty, inadequate, inefficient, or unsafe23
44		-	electrical, plumbing, low-voltage
45		-	low voltage wiring, utility contracting, or conditioned air24
	30	+	electrical, plumbing, low-voltage low voltage wiring, utility contracting, or conditioned air24
46	31		installations. The practice practices of electrical contracting, plumbing contracting,25
47	32		installing, or repairing, low-voltage low voltage contracting, utility contracting, and26
48	33		conditioned air contracting are declared to be businesses or professions affecting the public27
49	34		interest; and this chapter shall be liberally construed so as to accomplish the purposes28
50	35		stated in this Code section.29
51	36		43-14-2.30
52	37		As used in this chapter, the term:31
53	38		(.1)(1) 'Alarm system' means any device or combination of devices used to detect a32
54	39		situation, causing an alarm in the event of a burglary, fire, robbery, medical emergency,33
55	40		or equipment failure, or on the occurrence of any other predetermined event.34
56	41		(1)(2) 'Board' means the State Construction Industry Licensing Board.35
57	42		(2)(3) 'Certificate of competency' means a valid and current certificate that is issued by36
58	43		the Division of Electrical Contractors created in Code Section 43-14-3, which certificate37
59	44		H. B. 187 (SUB)
60	45		- 2 - 25 LC 55 0466S
61	46		shall give and that gives the named electrical contractor to which it is issued authority to38
62	47		engage in electrical contracting of the kind described therein. Certificates of competency39
63	48		shall be of two kinds, Class I and Class II, according to the classification of license held40
64	49		by the electrical contractor.41
65	50		(3)(4) 'Conditioned air contracting' means the installation, repair, or service of42
66	51		conditioned air systems or conditioned air equipment., which includes, but is not limited43
67	52		to:44
68	53		(A) Service to or installation of the electrical connection between the electrical45
69	54		disconnect and conditioned air equipment is considered to be installation, repair, or46
70	55		service of conditioned air equipment or the conditioned air system.; and47
71	56		(B) Service to or installation of the electrical circuit from the electrical distribution48
72	57		panel to the conditioned air equipment where the electrical service to the building or49
73	58		site is a single-phase electrical circuit not exceeding 200 amperes is considered to be50
74	59		installation, repair, or service of conditioned air equipment or the conditioned air51
75	60		system.52
76	61		(4)(5) 'Conditioned air contractor' means an individual who is any person engaged in53
77	62		conditioned air contracting under express or implied contract or who that bids for, offers54
78	63		to perform, purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform conditioned air55
79	64		contracting services under express or implied contract. The term 'conditioned air56
80	65		contractor' Such term shall not include a person an individual who is an employee of a57
81	66		conditioned air contractor and who receives only a salary or hourly wage for performing58
82	67		conditioned air contracting work.59
83	68		(5)(6) 'Conditioned air equipment' means heating and air-conditioning equipment60
84	69		covered under state codes and the natural gas piping system on the outlet side of the gas61
85	70		meter.62
86	71		(6)(7) 'Electrical contracting' means the installation, maintenance, alteration, or repair63
87	72		of any electrical equipment, apparatus, control system, or electrical wiring device which64
88	73		H. B. 187 (SUB)
89	74		- 3 - 25 LC 55 0466S
90		-	is attached to or incorporated into any building or structure in this state but shall not
91		-	65
92		-	include low-voltage
93		-	low voltage contracting.66
	75	+	is attached to or incorporated into any building or structure in this state but shall not65
	76	+	include low-voltage low voltage contracting.66
94	77		(7)(8) 'Electrical contractor' means any person who engages engaged in the business of67
95	78		electrical contracting under express or implied contract or who that bids for, offers to68
96	79		perform, purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform electrical contracting69
97	80		services under express or implied contract. The term 'electrical contractor' Such term70
98	81		shall not include a person an individual who is an employee of an electrical contractor71
99	82		and who receives only a salary or hourly wage for performing electrical contracting work.72
100	83		(8)(9) 'Executive director' means the executive director of the State Construction73
101	84		Industry Licensing Board.74
102	85		(8.1)(10) 'General system' means any electrical system, other than an alarm or75
103	86		telecommunication system, involving low-voltage low voltage wiring.76
104	87		(9)(11) 'Journeyman plumber' means any person individual other than a master plumber77
105	88		who has practical knowledge of the installation of plumbing and installs plumbing under78
106	89		the direction of a master plumber.79
107	90		(10)(12) 'License' means a valid and current certificate of registration issued by a80
108	91		division of the board, which certificate shall give the named person to whom it is issued81
109	92		authority to engage in the activity prescribed thereon.82
110	93		(10.1)(13) 'Low voltage 'Low-voltage contracting' means the installation, alteration,83
111	94		service, or repair of a telecommunication system, alarm system, or general system84
112	95		involving low-voltage low voltage wiring.85
113	96		(10.2)(14) 'Low voltage 'Low-voltage contractor' means an individual who is any person86
114	97		engaged in low-voltage low voltage contracting under express or implied contract or who87
115	98		that bids for, offers to perform, purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform88
116	99		low-voltage low voltage contracting services under express or implied contract. An89
117	100		employee of a low-voltage contractor who receives only a salary or hourly wage for90
118	101		performing low-voltage contracting work shall not be required to be licensed under this91
119	102		H. B. 187 (SUB)
120	103		- 4 - 25 LC 55 0466S
121	104		chapter, except that those employees upon whom the qualification of a partnership,92
122	105		limited liability company, or corporation rests as outlined in subsection (b) of Code93
123	106		Section 43-14-8.1 shall be licensed.94
124	107		(10.3)(15) 'Low voltage 'Low-voltage wiring' means:95
125	108		(A) Wiring systems of 50 volts or less and control circuits directly associated96
126	109		therewith;97
127	110		(B) Wiring systems having a voltage in excess of 50 volts, provided such systems98
128	111		consist solely of power limited circuits meeting the definition of a Class II and Class99
129	112		III wiring system as defined in Article 725 of the National Electrical Code; or100
130	113		(C) Line voltage wiring having a voltage not in excess of 300 volts to ground and101
131	114		installed from the load-side terminals of a suitable disconnecting means which has been102
132	115		installed for the specific purpose of supplying the low-voltage low voltage wiring103
133	116		system involved or installed from a suitable junction box which has been installed for104
134	117		such specific purpose.105
135	118		(11)(16) 'Master plumber' means any individual engaging engaged in the business of106
136	119		plumbing under express or implied contract or who bids for, offers to perform, purports107
137	120		to have the capacity to perform, or does perform plumbing contracting services under108
138	121		express or implied contract.109
139	122		(12)(17) 'Plumbing' means:110
140	123		(A) The the practice of installing, maintaining, altering, or repairing piping fixtures,111
141	124		appliances, and appurtenances in connection with sanitary drainage or storm drainage112
142	125		facilities, venting systems, medical gas piping systems, natural gas piping systems on113
143	126		the outlet side of gas meters, or public or private water supply systems within or114
144	127		adjacent to any building, structure, or conveyance, or manhole; provided, however, that115
145	128		after July 1, 1997, only master plumbers and journeyman plumbers who have been116
146	129		certified by the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers to perform117
147	130		H. B. 187 (SUB)
148	131		- 5 - 25 LC 55 0466S
149	132		such tasks shall be authorized to install, maintain, alter, or repair medical gas piping118
150	133		systems. The term 'plumbing' also includes the and119
151	134		(B) The practice of and materials used in installing, maintaining, extending, or altering120
152	135		the natural gas, storm-water, sewerage, and water supply systems of any premises to121
153	136		their connection with any point of public disposal or other acceptable terminal;122
154	137		provided, however, that licensure under this chapter shall not be required for a123
155	138		contractor certified by the Department of Public Health to make the connection to any124
156	139		on-site waste-water management system from the stub out exiting the structure to an125
157	140		on-site waste-water management system. Notwithstanding any other provision of this126
158	141		chapter, any person who holds a valid master plumbing license or any company which127
159	142		holds a valid utility contractor license shall be qualified to construct, alter, or repair any128
160	143		plumbing system which extends from the property line up to but not within five feet of129
161	144		any building, structure, or conveyance, regardless of the cost or depth of any such130
162	145		plumbing system.131
163	146		(12.1)(18) 'Telecommunication system' means a switching system and associated132
164	147		apparatus which performs the basic function of two-way voice or data service, or both,133
165	148		and which can be a commonly controlled system capable of being administered both134
166	149		locally and remotely via secured access.135
167	150		(13)(19) 'Utility contracting' means undertaking to construct, erect, alter, or repair or136
168	151		have constructed, erected, altered, or repaired any utility system.137
169	152		(14)(20) 'Utility contractor' means a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation138
170	153		which is engaged in utility contracting under express or implied contract or which bids139
171	154		for, offers to perform, purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform utility140
172	155		contracting under express or implied contract.141
173	156		(15)(21) 'Utility foreman' means any individual who is employed by a licensed contractor142
174	157		to supervise the construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility systems.143
175	158		H. B. 187 (SUB)
176	159		- 6 - 25 LC 55 0466S
177	160		(16)(22) 'Utility manager' means any individual who is employed by a utility contractor144
178	161		to have oversight and charge of the construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility145
179	162		systems.146
180	163		(17)(23) 'Utility system' means:147
181	164		(A) Any system at least five feet underground, when installed or accessed by trenching,148
182	165		open cut, cut and cover, or other similar construction methods which install or access149
183	166		the system from the ground surface, including, but not limited to, gas distribution150
184	167		systems, electrical distribution systems, communication systems, water supply systems,151
185	168		and sanitary sewerage and drainage systems; and152
186	169		(B) Reservoirs and filtration plants, water and waste-water treatment plants, leachate153
187	170		collection and treatment systems associated with landfills, and pump stations, when the154
188	171		system distributes or collects a service, product, or commodity for which a fee or price155
189	172		is paid for said service, product, or commodity or for the disposal of said service,156
190	173		product, or commodity.157
191	174		43-14-3.158
192	175		(a) There is created within the executive branch of state government the State Construction159
193	176		Industry Licensing Board. The board shall be assigned to the Secretary of State's office for160
194	177		administrative purposes and shall be under the jurisdiction of the division director.161
195	178		(b) The board shall be composed of 27 members as follows:162
196	179		(1) Five members known as the Division of Electrical Contractors, one of whom shall163
197	180		be a consulting professional engineer engaged in electrical practice, another of whom164
198	181		shall be the chief electrical an inspector with electrical inspection duties of a county or165
199	182		municipality, and shall have served in such office for five years immediately preceding166
200	183		appointment to the board or a third-party inspector regularly providing inspections to a167
201	184		county or municipality, and the remaining three of whom shall be engaged in the168
202	185		electrical contracting business licensed electrical contractors in this state;169
203	186		H. B. 187 (SUB)
204	187		- 7 - 25 LC 55 0466S
205		-	(2) Five members known as the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers,
206		-	170
	188	+	(2) Five members known as the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers,170
207	189		one of whom shall be a full-time plumbing inspector of a county or municipality, three171
208	190		of whom shall be master or contracting plumbers, and one of whom shall be a172
209	191		journeyman plumber;173
210	192		(3) Five members known as the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors, one of whom174
211	193		shall be a licensed professional engineer engaged in mechanical practice, one of whom175
212	194		shall be the chief conditioned air inspector of a county or municipality, and three of176
213	195		whom shall be conditioned air contractors with more than five years of installation and177
214	196		service experience in the trade;178
215		-	(4) Five members known as the Division of Low-voltage
216		-	Low Voltage Contractors, one179
	197	+	(4) Five members known as the Division of Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractors, one179
217	198		of whom shall be an alarm system low-voltage low voltage contractor, one of whom shall180
218	199		be an unrestricted low-voltage low voltage contractor, one of whom shall be a181
219	200		telecommunication system low-voltage low voltage contractor, one of whom shall be a182
220	201		professional electrical engineer, and one of whom shall be the chief electrical an inspector183
221	202		with electrical inspection duties of a county or municipality or contracted by a county or184
222	203		municipality to perform electrical inspections;185
223	204		(5) Five members known as the Division of Utility Contractors, three of whom shall be186
224	205		utility contractors, one of whom shall be a registered professional engineer, and one of187
225	206		whom shall be an insurance company representative engaged primarily in the bonding of188
226	207		construction projects; and189
227	208		(6) Two members who shall not have any connection with the electrical contracting,190
228	209		plumbing, or conditioned air contracting businesses whatsoever but who shall have a191
229	210		recognized interest in consumer affairs and consumer protection concerns.192
230	211		(c) All members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the193
231	212		Senate, for four-year terms.194
232	213		(d) A member shall serve until a successor has been duly appointed and qualified.195
233	214		H. B. 187 (SUB)
234	215		- 8 - 25 LC 55 0466S
235		-	(e) The Governor shall make appointments to fill the unexpired portions of any terms
236		-	196
	216	+	(e) The Governor shall make appointments to fill the unexpired portions of any terms196
237	217		vacated for any reason. In making such appointments, the Governor shall preserve the197
238	218		composition of the board as required by this chapter. Members shall be eligible for198
239	219		reappointment.199
240		-	(f) Any appointive
241		-	appointed member who, during his or her term, shall cease to meet the200
	220	+	(f) Any appointive appointed member who, during his or her term, shall cease to meet the200
242	221		qualifications for original appointment shall thereby forfeit membership on the board.201
243	222		(g) Each member of the board shall take an oath of office before the Governor or the202
244	223		Governor's designee to faithfully perform the duties of such office.203
245	224		(h) The Governor may remove any member for failure to attend meetings, neglect of duty,204
246	225		incompetence, revocation or suspension of professional trade license, or other dishonorable205
247	226		conduct.206
248	227		(i) Members of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code207
249	228		Section 43-1-2.208
250	229		43-14-4.209
251	230		(a) The office of chairperson shall be rotated among the five divisions enumerated in Code210
252	231		Section 43-14-3 unless the board, through its rules and regulations, provides otherwise. 211
253	232		Any vacancy in the office of chairperson shall be filled by the members for the unexpired212
254	233		term. The person individual selected to fill the vacancy shall be a member of the same213
255	234		division as the previous chairperson.214
256	235		(b) The board shall meet at the call of the chairperson or upon the recommendation of a215
257	236		majority of its members.216
258	237		(c) Each division within the board shall also elect from its membership a chairperson who217
259	238		shall serve for a term of two years. Any vacancy in the office of chairperson shall be filled218
260	239		by one of the members for the unexpired term.219
261	240		(d) Any member elected chairperson of a division may serve more than one consecutive220
262	241		term of office.221
263	242		H. B. 187 (SUB)
264	243		- 9 - 25 LC 55 0466S
265		-	(e) Each division shall carry out its powers and duties provided for in this chapter with the
266		-	222
	244	+	(e) Each division shall carry out its powers and duties provided for in this chapter with the222
267	245		assistance of the executive director and staff of the board.223
268	246		(f) The divisions shall meet at the call of the chairperson.224
269	247		(g) Three members of each division shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of225
270	248		business of such division.226
271	249		43-14-5.227
272	250		The board shall have the power to:228
273	251		(1) Request from the various state departments and other agencies and authorities of the229
274	252		state and its political subdivisions and their agencies and authorities such available230
275	253		information as it may require in its work; and all such agencies and authorities shall231
276	254		furnish such requested available information to the board within a reasonable time;232
277	255		(2) Provide by regulation for reciprocity with other states in the registration and licensing233
278		-	of electrical contractors, master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, low-voltage
279		-	low voltage234
	256	+	of electrical contractors, master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, low-voltage low voltage234
280	257		contractors, utility contractors, or conditioned air contractors and in the certification of235
281	258		utility contracting foremen, provided that such other states have requirements236
282	259		substantially equal similar to the requirements in force in this state for registration,237
283	260		licensure, and certification; provided, further, that a similar privilege is offered to238
284	261		residents of this state;239
285	262		(3) Adopt an official seal for its use and change it at pleasure modify such seal as the240
286	263		board deems necessary;241
287	264		(4) Establish the policies for regulating the businesses of electrical contracting,242
288	265		plumbing, low-voltage, utility plumbing contracting, low voltage contracting, utility243
289	266		contracting, and conditioned air contracting;244
290	267		(4.1)(5) Upon notice and hearing authorized and conducted in accordance with Code245
291	268		Section 43-14-10 43-14-14 and any rules and regulations promulgated by the board,246
292	269		either by the board directly or through a valid delegation of the board's enforcement247
293	270		H. B. 187 (SUB)
294	271		- 10 - 25 LC 55 0466S
295		-	power to a division thereof, assess civil penalties in an amount up to $10,000.00 per
296		-	248
	272	+	power to a division thereof, assess civil penalties in an amount up to $10,000.00 per248
297	273		violation against any person found to be in violation of any requirement of this chapter;249
298		-	(5)
299		-	(6) Determine qualifications for licensure or certification including such experience250
	274	+	(5)(6) Determine qualifications for licensure or certification including such experience250
300	275		requirements as the board deems necessary; and251
301	276		(6)(7) Promulgate and adopt rules and regulations necessary to carry out this chapter.252
302	277		43-14-6.253
303	278		(a) The Division of Electrical Contractors, with respect to applicants for a license to254
304	279		engage in or licensees engaging in the business of electrical contracting; the Division of255
305	280		Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers, with respect to applicants for a license to256
306	281		engage in or licensees engaging in the business of plumbing as master plumbers or257
307	282		journeyman plumbers; the Division of Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractors, with respect258
308	283		to applicants for a license to engage in or licensees engaging in the business of low-voltage259
309	284		low voltage contracting; the Division of Utility Contractors with respect to applicants for260
310	285		a license to engage in or licensees engaging in the business of utility contracting and with261
311	286		respect to applicants for a certificate to be a utility manager or utility foreman or holders262
312	287		of a utility manager or utility foreman certificate; and the Division of Conditioned Air263
313	288		Contractors, with respect to applicants for a license to engage in or licensees engaging in264
314	289		the business of conditioned air contracting, shall:265
315	290		(1) Approve examinations for all applicants for licenses or certificates, except for utility266
316	291		contractor licenses and utility foreman certificates., as follows:267
317	292		(A) The Division of Electrical Contractors shall approve separate examinations for268
318	293		Class I and Class II licenses. Class I licenses shall be restricted to electrical contracting269
319	294		involving multifamily structures of not more than two levels or single-family dwellings270
320	295		of up to three levels. In addition, the; provided, however, that such structures shall have271
321	296		single-phase electrical installations which do not exceed 400 amperes at the service272
322	297		drop or the service lateral. Class II licenses shall be unrestricted.;273
323	298		H. B. 187 (SUB)
324	299		- 11 - 25 LC 55 0466S
325	300		(B) The Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers shall approve separate274
326	301		examinations for Master Plumber Class I, Master Plumber Class II, and Journeyman275
327	302		Plumbers. Master Plumber Class I licenses shall be restricted to plumbing involving276
328	303		single-family dwellings and one-level multifamily dwellings designed for not more than277
329	304		two families three stories and commercial structures not to exceed 10,000 20,000278
330	305		square feet in area. Master Plumber Class II licenses shall be unrestricted. Only a279
331	306		journeyman plumber, a Master Plumber Class I, or a Master Plumber Class II shall be280
332	307		authorized to install, maintain, alter, or repair medical gas piping systems;281
333	308		(C) The Division of Conditioned Air Contractors shall approve separate examinations282
334	309		for Class I and Class II licenses. Class I licenses shall be restricted to the installation,283
335	310		repair, or service of conditioned air systems or equipment not exceeding 175,000 BTU284
336	311		(net) of heating and five tons (60,000 BTU) of cooling. Class II licenses shall be285
337	312		unrestricted.; and286
338	313		(D) The Division of Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractors shall approve separate287
339	314		examinations for:288
340	315		(i) Low Voltage Low-voltage Contractor Class LV-A, licenses restricted to alarm and289
341	316		general system low voltage contracting;290
342	317		(ii) Low Voltage Low-voltage Contractor Class LV-T, licenses restricted to291
343	318		telecommunication and general system low voltage contracting;292
344	319		(iii) Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G licenses restricted to general system low293
345	320		voltage contracting; and294
346	321		(iv) Low Voltage Contractor Low-voltage Contractor Class LV-U, and Low-voltage295
347	322		Contractor Class LV-G. Class LV-A licenses shall be restricted to alarm and general296
348	323		system low-voltage contracting, Class LV-T licenses shall be restricted to297
349	324		telecommunication and general system low-voltage contracting, Class LV-G licenses298
350	325		shall be restricted to general system low-voltage contracting, and Class LV-U licenses299
351	326		H. B. 187 (SUB)
352	327		- 12 - 25 LC 55 0466S
353	328		that shall be unrestricted and permit the performance of alarm, telecommunication,300
354	329		and general system low-voltage low voltage contracting;301
355	330		(2) Register and license or grant a certificate and issue renewal licenses and renewal302
356	331		certificates biennially to all persons meeting the qualifications for a license or certificate. 303
357	332		The following licenses or certificates shall be issued by the divisions:304
358	333		(A) Electrical Contractor Class I;305
359	334		(B) Electrical Contractor Class II;306
360	335		(C) Master Plumber Class I;307
361	336		(D) Master Plumber Class II;308
362	337		(E) Journeyman Plumber;309
363	338		(F) Conditioned Air Contractor Class I;310
364	339		(G) Conditioned Air Contractor Class II;311
365	340		(H) Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A;312
366	341		(I) Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T;313
367	342		(J) Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G;314
368	343		(K) Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U;315
369	344		(L) Utility Contractor; Class A;316
370	345		(M) Utility Contractor; Class B;317
371	346		(N) Utility Contractor; Class U;318
372	347		(O) Utility Manager (certificate); and319
373	348		(P) Utility Foreman (certificate);320
374	349		(3) Investigate, with the aid of the division director, alleged violations of this chapter or321
375	350		other laws and rules and regulations of the board relating to the profession;322
376	351		(4) After notice and hearing, have the power to reprimand any person, licensee, or323
377	352		certificate holder, or to suspend, revoke, or cancel the license or certificate of or refuse324
378	353		to grant, renew, or restore a license or certificate to any person, licensee, or certificate325
379	354		holder upon any one of the following grounds:326
380	355		H. B. 187 (SUB)
381	356		- 13 - 25 LC 55 0466S
382		-	(A) The commission of any false, fraudulent, or deceitful act or the use of any forged,
383		-	327
	357	+	(A) The commission of any false, fraudulent, or deceitful act or the use of any forged,327
384	358		false, or fraudulent document in connection with the license or certificate requirements328
385	359		of this chapter or the rules and regulations of the board;329
386	360		(B) Failure at any time to comply with the requirements for a license or certificate330
387	361		under this chapter or the rules and regulations of the board;331
388	362		(C) Habitual intemperance in the use of alcoholic spirits, narcotics, or stimulants to332
389	363		such an extent as to render the license or certificate holder unsafe or unfit to practice333
390	364		any profession licensed or certified under this chapter;334
391	365		(D) Engaging in any dishonorable or unethical conduct likely to deceive, defraud, or335
392	366		harm the public;336
393	367		(E) Knowingly performing any act which in any way assists an unlicensed or337
394	368		noncertified person to practice such profession;338
395	369		(F) Violating, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting any violation of any339
396	370		provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation of the board;340
397	371		(G) The performance of any faulty, inadequate, inefficient, or unsafe electrical,341
398		-	plumbing, low-voltage
399		-	low voltage contracting, utility contracting, or conditioned air342
	372	+	plumbing, low-voltage low voltage contracting, utility contracting, or conditioned air342
400	373		contracting likely to endanger life, health, or property. The performance of any work343
401	374		that does not comply with the standards set by state codes or by local codes in344
402	375		jurisdictions where such codes are adopted, provided that such local codes are as345
403	376		stringent as the state codes, or by other codes or regulations which have been adopted346
404	377		by the board, shall be prima-facie evidence of the faulty, inadequate, inefficient, or347
405	378		unsafe character of such electrical, plumbing, low-voltage low voltage contracting,348
406	379		utility contracting, or conditioned air contracting; provided, however, that the board,349
407	380		in its sole discretion, for good cause shown and under such conditions as it may350
408	381		prescribe, may restore a license to any person whose license has been suspended or351
409	382		revoked;352
410	383		H. B. 187 (SUB)
411	384		- 14 - 25 LC 55 0466S
412		-	(H) With respect to utility contractors, the bidding by such a utility contractor in excess
413		-	353
	385	+	(H) With respect to utility contractors, the bidding by such a utility contractor in excess353
414	386		of license coverage; or354
415	387		(I) With respect to utility contractors, violations of Chapter 9 of Title 25;355
416	388		(5) Review amendments to or revisions in the state minimum standard codes as prepared356
417	389		pursuant to Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 8; and the Department of Community357
418	390		Affairs shall be required to provide to the division director a copy of any amendment to358
419	391		or revision in the state minimum standard codes at least 45 days prior to the adoption359
420	392		thereof; and360
421	393		(6) Do all other things necessary and proper to exercise their powers and perform their361
422	394		duties in accordance with this chapter.362
423	395		(b) The Division of Electrical Contractors may also provide, by rules and regulations, for363
424	396		the issuance of certificates of competency pertaining to financial responsibility and364
425	397		financial disclosure; provided, however, that such rules and regulations are adopted by the365
426	398		board. The division shall issue certificates of competency and renewal certificates to366
427	399		persons meeting the qualifications therefor.367
428	400		(c) The divisions mentioned in subsection (a) of this Code section shall also hear appeals368
429	401		resulting from the suspension of licenses by an approved municipal or county licensing or369
430		-	inspection authority pursuant to Code Section 43-14-12
431		-	43-14-16.370
	402	+	inspection authority pursuant to Code Section 43-14-12 43-14-16.370
432	403		(d)(1) The Division of Conditioned Air Contractors shall be authorized to: 371
433	404		(1) Require require persons seeking renewal of Conditioned Air Contractor Class I and372
434	405		Class II licenses to complete board approved continuing education of not more less than373
435	406		four hours annually.;374
436	407		(2) Approve The division shall be authorized to approve courses offered by institutions375
437	408		of higher learning, vocational technical schools, and trade, technical, or professional376
438	409		organizations; provided, however, that continuing education courses or programs related377
439	410		to conditioned air contracting provided or conducted by public utilities, equipment378
440	411		manufacturers, or institutions under the State Board of the Technical College System of379
441	412		H. B. 187 (SUB)
442	413		- 15 - 25 LC 55 0466S
443		-	Georgia shall constitute acceptable continuing professional education programs for the
444		-	380
445		-	purposes of this subsection. Continuing
446		-	Such continuing education courses or programs381
	414	+	Georgia shall constitute acceptable continuing professional education programs for the380
	415	+	purposes of this subsection. Continuing Such continuing education courses or programs381
447	416		shall be in the areas of safety, technological advances, business management, or382
448	417		government regulation. Courses or programs conducted by manufacturers specifically383
449	418		to promote their products shall not be approved. The continuing education requirements384
450	419		of this subsection shall not be required for any licensed conditioned air contractor who385
451	420		is a registered professional engineer;386
452	421		(2)(3) Administer all All provisions of this subsection relating to continuing professional387
453	422		education shall be administered by the division.;388
454	423		(3)(4) Waive The division shall be authorized to waive the continuing education389
455	424		requirements in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances390
456	425		as the board deems appropriate.; and391
457	426		(4)(5) Promulgate The division shall be authorized to promulgate rules and regulations392
458	427		to implement and ensure compliance with the requirements of this Code section.393
459	428		(5) The continuing education requirements of this subsection shall not be required of any394
460	429		licensed conditioned air contractor who is a registered professional engineer.395
461	430		(6) This Code section shall apply to each licensing and renewal cycle which begins after396
462	431		the 1990-1991 renewal.397
463	432		(e)(1) The Division of Electrical Contractors shall be authorized to:398
464	433		(1) Require individuals require persons seeking renewal of Electrical Contractor Class399
465	434		I and Class II licenses to complete board approved courses or courses which meet board400
466	435		criteria for continuing education courses of not more less than four hours annually.;401
467	436		(2) Approve The division shall be authorized to approve continuing education courses402
468	437		to be held within or outside this state that are available to all licensed electrical403
469	438		contractors on a reasonable nondiscriminatory fee basis. Any request for division404
470	439		approval of a continuing education course shall be submitted in a timely manner with due405
471	440		regard for the necessity of investigation and consideration by the division. The division406
472	441		H. B. 187 (SUB)
473	442		- 16 - 25 LC 55 0466S
474		-	may contract with institutions of higher learning, professional organizations, or other
475		-	407
476		-	qualified persons to provide programs that meet the requirements of this paragraph
477		-	408
	443	+	may contract with institutions of higher learning, professional organizations, or other407
	444	+	qualified persons to provide programs that meet the requirements of this paragraph408
478	445		subsection and any rules or regulations established by the division. Such programs shall409
479	446		be self-sustaining by the individual fees set and collected by the provider of the program.;410
480	447		and411
481	448		(2)(3) Waive The division shall be authorized to waive the continuing education412
482	449		requirements in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances413
483	450		as the division deems appropriate.414
484	451		(f)(1) The Division of Utility Contractors shall be authorized to:415
485	452		(1) Require individuals require persons seeking renewal of utility foreman certificates416
486	453		and utility manager certificates issued under this chapter to complete board approved417
487	454		continuing education of not more than four hours annually.;418
488	455		(2) Approve The division shall be authorized to approve courses offered by institutions419
489	456		of higher learning, vocational-technical schools, and trade, technical, or professional420
490	457		organizations; provided, however, that continuing education courses or programs related421
491	458		to utility contracting provided or conducted by institutions under the State Board of the422
492	459		Technical College System of Georgia shall constitute acceptable continuing professional423
493	460		education programs for the purposes of this subsection.; and424
494	461		(2)(3) Waive The division shall be authorized to waive the continuing education425
495	462		requirements in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances426
496	463		as the division deems appropriate.427
497	464		(g)(1) The Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers shall be authorized to:428
498	465		(1) Require individuals require persons seeking renewal of Journeyman Plumber, Master429
499	466		Plumber Class I, and Master Plumber Class II licenses to complete board approved430
500	467		continuing education of not more less than four hours annually.;431
501	468		(2) Approve The division shall be authorized to approve courses offered by institutions432
502	469		of higher learning, vocational-technical schools, and trade, technical, or professional433
503	470		H. B. 187 (SUB)
504	471		- 17 - 25 LC 55 0466S
505		-	organizations; provided, however, that continuing education courses or programs related
506		-	434
	472	+	organizations; provided, however, that continuing education courses or programs related434
507	473		to plumbing provided or conducted by institutions under the State Board of the Technical435
508	474		College System of Georgia shall constitute acceptable continuing professional education436
509		-	programs for the purposes of this subsection.
510		-	; and437
	475	+	programs for the purposes of this subsection.; and437
511	476		(2)(3) Waive The division shall be authorized to waive the continuing education438
512	477		requirements in cases of hardship, disability, or illness or under such other circumstances439
513	478		as the division deems appropriate.440
514	479		(h) Each division shall make all reasonable efforts to make the continuing education441
515	480		offered pursuant to this Code section available online or through home study courses and442
516	481		accessible at times outside of the normal work hours of those licensed by such division.443
517	482		43-14-7.444
518	483		(a) All orders and processes of the board and the divisions of the board shall be signed and445
519	484		attested by the division director; and any notice or legal process necessary to be served446
520	485		upon the board or the divisions may be served upon the division director.447
521	486		(b) The division director or his or her designee is vested with the power and authority to448
522	487		make such investigations in connection with the enforcement of this chapter and the rules449
523	488		and regulations of the board as he the director, the board, the divisions of the board, or any450
524	489		district attorney may deem necessary or advisable.451
525	490		43-14-8.452
526	491		(a)(1) No person shall engage in the electrical contracting business as an electrical453
527	492		contractor unless such person has a valid license from the Division of Electrical454
528	493		Contractors and a certificate of competency, if such certificates are issued by the division455
529	494		pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 43-14-6.456
530	495		(2) A person who that is not licensed as an electrical contractor or who that does not have457
531	496		a certificate of competency, if such certificates are issued by the division pursuant to458
532	497		H. B. 187 (SUB)
533	498		- 18 - 25 LC 55 0466S
534		-	subsection (b) of Code Section 43-14-6, or both as may be applicable, shall be prohibited
535		-	459
	499	+	subsection (b) of Code Section 43-14-6, or both as may be applicable, shall be prohibited459
536	500		from advertising in any manner that such person is in the business or profession of460
537	501		electrical contracting unless the work is performed by a licensed electrical contractor.461
538		-	(b)(1) No person shall engage in the business of
539		-	plumbing contracting as a master462
	502	+	(b)(1) No person shall engage in the business of plumbing contracting as a master462
540	503		plumber unless such person has a valid license from the Division of Master Plumbers and463
541	504		Journeyman Plumbers. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person464
542	505		who holds a valid master plumber license or any company which holds a valid utility465
543	506		contractor license shall be qualified to construct, alter, or repair any plumbing system466
544	507		which extends from the property line up to but not within five feet of any building,467
545	508		structure, or conveyance, regardless of the cost or depth of any such plumbing system.468
546	509		(2) No person shall engage in the business of plumbing contracting as a journeyman469
547	510		master plumber unless such person has a valid license from the Division of Master470
548	511		Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers. A person that is not licensed as a Master Plumber471
549	512		Class 1 or a Master Plumber Class II shall be prohibited from advertising in any manner472
550	513		that such person is in the business or profession of plumbing contracting.473
551	514		(3) A person who does not have a valid license from the Division of Master Plumbers474
552	515		and Journeyman Plumbers shall be prohibited from advertising in any manner that such475
553	516		person is in the business or profession of plumbing as a master plumber or journeyman476
554	517		plumber unless such person is licensed by the Division of Master Plumbers and477
555	518		Journeyman Plumbers and unless the work is performed by a licensed plumber.478
556	519		(c)(1) No person shall engage in the business of conditioned air contracting as a479
557	520		conditioned air contractor unless such person has a valid conditioned air contractor480
558	521		license from the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors.481
559	522		(2) A person who that is not licensed as a conditioned air contractor shall be prohibited482
560	523		from advertising in any manner that such person is in the business or profession of a483
561	524		conditioned air contractor unless the work is performed by a licensed conditioned air484
562	525		contractor.485
563	526		H. B. 187 (SUB)
564	527		- 19 - 25 LC 55 0466S
565	528		(d)(1) No person shall engage in low voltage contracting unless such person has a valid486
566	529		license from the Division of Low Voltage Contractors; provided, however, that:487
567	530		(A) An employee of a low voltage contractor who receives only a salary or hourly488
568	531		wage for performing low voltage contracting work may but shall not be required to be489
569	532		licensed under this chapter to perform such low voltage contracting work, except that490
570	533		those employees upon whom the qualification of a partnership, limited liability491
571	534		company, or corporation rests as provided for in Code Section 43-14-9 shall be required492
572	535		to be licensed; and493
573	536		(B) Tier 2 local exchange companies, as such term is set forth in subparagraph (B) of494
574	537		paragraph (10) of Code Section 46-5-162, as well as any affiliates or subsidiaries of495
575	538		such companies, may but shall not be required to be licensed under this chapter to496
576	539		engage in low voltage contracting.497
577	540		(2) Except as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, a person that is not licensed498
578	541		as a low voltage contractor shall be prohibited from advertising in any manner that such499
579	542		person is in the business or profession of a low voltage contractor unless the work is500
580	543		performed by a licensed low voltage contractor.501
581	544		(d)(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, prior to and including502
582	545		September 30, 1983, the following persons, desiring to qualify under the provisions stated503
583	546		in this subsection, shall be issued a state-wide license without restriction by the appropriate504
584	547		division of the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, provided that such individual505
585	548		submits proper application and pays or has paid the required fees and is not otherwise in506
586	549		violation of this chapter:507
587	550		(1) Any individual holding a license issued by the State Construction Industry Licensing508
588	551		Board, prior to the effective date of this chapter;509
589	552		(2) Any individual holding a license issued by the State Board of Electrical Contractors,510
590	553		the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing Contractors, or the State Board of Warm Air511
591	554		Heating Contractors;512
592	555		H. B. 187 (SUB)
593	556		- 20 - 25 LC 55 0466S
594		-	(3) Any individual holding a license to engage in such vocation issued to him or her by
595		-	513
	557	+	(3) Any individual holding a license to engage in such vocation issued to him or her by513
596	558		any governing authority of any political subdivision; and514
597	559		(4) Any individual who has successfully and efficiently engaged in such vocation in a515
598	560		local jurisdiction, which did not issue local licenses, for a period of at least two516
599	561		consecutive years immediately prior to the time of application. To prove that he or she517
600	562		has successfully engaged in said vocation, the individual shall only be required to give518
601	563		evidence of three successful jobs completed over such period. Such applicant shall swear519
602	564		before a notary public that such evidence is true and accurate prior to its submission to520
603	565		the division.521
604		-	(e)
605		-	(f) The decision of the division as to the necessity of taking the examination or as to the522
	566	+	(e)(f) The decision of the division as to the necessity of taking the examination or as to the522
606	567		qualifications of applicants taking the required examination shall, in the absence of fraud,523
607	568		be conclusive. All individuals, partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations524
608	569		desiring to engage in such vocation after September 30, 1983, a business licensed under525
609	570		this chapter shall take the examination and qualify under this chapter before engaging in526
610	571		such vocation or business, including such vocation at the local level.527
611	572		(f)(g) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to528
612	573		engage in the business of electrical contracting unless there is regularly connected with529
613	574		such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons actually530
614	575		actively engaged in the performance of such business on a full-time basis who have valid531
615	576		licenses issued to them as provided for in this chapter; provided, however, that partners,532
616	577		officers, and employees of any individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements shall533
617	578		continue to be authorized to engage in the business of electrical contracting under a license534
618	579		which was valid at the time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the date of535
619	580		such death. The division may, at its discretion, upon application by the electrical contractor536
620	581		showing good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace period.537
621	582		(g)(h) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to538
622	583		engage in the business of plumbing unless there is regularly connected with such539
623	584		H. B. 187 (SUB)
624	585		- 21 - 25 LC 55 0466S
625	586		partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons actually actively540
626	587		engaged in the performance of such business on a full-time basis who have valid licenses541
627	588		for master plumbers issued to them as provided in this chapter; provided, however, that542
628	589		partners, officers, and employees of any individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements543
629	590		shall continue to be authorized to engage in the business of plumbing contracting under a544
630	591		license which was valid at the time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the545
631	592		date of such death. The division may, at its discretion, upon application by the plumbing546
632	593		contractor showing good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace period.547
633	594		(h)(i) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to548
634	595		engage in the business of conditioned air contracting unless there is regularly connected549
635	596		with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons550
636	597		actually actively engaged in the performance of such business on a full-time basis who551
637	598		have valid licenses issued to them as provided for in this chapter; provided, however, that552
638	599		partners, officers, and employees of the individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements553
639	600		shall continue to be authorized to engage in the business of conditioned air contracting554
640	601		under a license which was valid at the time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days555
641	602		following from the date of such death. The division may, at its discretion, upon application556
642	603		by the conditioned air contractor showing good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace557
643	604		period.558
644	605		(j) Partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations having more than one office559
645	606		location from which conditioned air contracting is performed shall have at least one person560
646	607		stationed in each branch office of such partnership, limited liability company, or561
647	608		corporation who is engaged in the performance of conditioned air contracting on a full-time562
648	609		basis; who is supervising the installation, repair, alteration, and service work of563
649	610		air-conditioning and heating systems of all employees of such branch office locations; and564
650	611		who has a valid license issued as provided in this Code section.565
651	612		H. B. 187 (SUB)
652	613		- 22 - 25 LC 55 0466S
653	614		(i)(k) It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations566
654	615		qualified under this chapter to notify the appropriate division immediately within seven567
655	616		days of the severance of connection with such partnership, limited liability company, or568
656	617		corporation of any person or persons upon whom such qualification rested.569
657	618		(j)(l) Applicants All applicants for examinations and licenses provided for by this chapter570
658	619		and all any applicants for renewal of licenses under this chapter shall be required to fill out571
659	620		a form which shall be provided by each division, showing whether or not complete a572
660	621		division approved form on which the applicant will:573
661	622		(1) Indicate if the applicant is an individual, partnership, limited liability company, or574
662	623		corporation; and, if575
663	624		(2) If the applicant is a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, provide the576
664	625		names and addresses of the partners or members or the names and addresses of the577
665	626		officers, when and where formed or incorporated, and such other information as the board578
666	627		or each division may require.; and579
667	628		(3) If the renewal is for All forms of applications for renewal of licenses shall also show580
668	629		whether or not the applicant, if it is a partnership, limited liability company, or581
669	630		corporation, still has connected with it indicate whether a duly qualified person holding582
670	631		a license issued by the division is still connected with such entity.583
671	632		(k) The board shall notify each local governing authority of the provisions of this chapter584
672	633		relating to licensure, especially the provisions of subsection (d) of this Code section. The585
673	634		board shall notify such governing authorities that after September 30, 1983, any person586
674	635		desiring a license to engage in a profession covered by this chapter shall be required to pass587
675	636		an examination as provided in this chapter.588
676	637		(l)(m) Applicants who have a failing examination score on two consecutive testing589
677	638		attempts within the approved testing time frame Any applicant for licensure standing the590
678	639		examination on and after July 1, 1989, who fails the examination for licensure twice after591
679	640		such date shall be required to present satisfactory evidence to the appropriate division that592
680	641		H. B. 187 (SUB)
681	642		- 23 - 25 LC 55 0466S
682		-	the applicant has completed a board approved review course before such applicant will be
683		-	593
684		-	admitted to a third examination
685		-	approved to take the examination again. If such applicant594
	643	+	the applicant has completed a board approved review course before such applicant will be593
	644	+	admitted to a third examination approved to take the examination again. If such applicant594
686	645		fails the examination a third time, the applicant shall not be required to complete additional595
687	646		board approved review courses prior to taking subsequent examinations.596
688	647		43-14-8.1 43-14-9.597
689	648		(a) For purposes of this Code section only, 'division' means the 'Division of Low-voltage598
690	649		Low Voltage Contractors.'599
691	650		(b) No person shall engage in alarm system, general system, or telecommunication system600
692	651		low-voltage low voltage contracting unless such person has a valid license therefor from601
693	652		the Division of Low-voltage Low Voltage Contracting.602
694	653		(c)(1) Prior to January 1, 1985, any Any person desiring to qualify under the provisions603
695	654		of this subsection who meets the requirements of this subsection, submits proper604
696	655		application prior to and including December 31, 1984, and pays or has paid the required605
697	656		fees and is not otherwise in violation of this chapter shall be issued a state-wide606
698	657		Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A, LV-G, LV-U, or LV-T license607
699	658		without examination.608
700	659		(2) An individual desiring to obtain Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T609
701	660		shall submit to the division an affidavit which outlines the experience of said individual610
702	661		in the practice of low-voltage low voltage wiring relating to telecommunication systems.611
703	662		(3) An individual desiring to obtain a Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A612
704	663		license shall submit to the division an affidavit which outlines the experience of said613
705	664		individual in the practice of low-voltage low voltage wiring relating to alarm systems.614
706	665		(4) An individual desiring to obtain a Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G615
707	666		license shall submit to the division an affidavit which outlines the experience of said616
708	667		individual in the practice of low-voltage low voltage wiring relating to general systems. 617
709	668		Each such affidavit for licensure shall describe in detail the installation of at least three618
710	669		H. B. 187 (SUB)
711	670		- 24 - 25 LC 55 0466S
712	671		complete low-voltage wiring jobs which shall demonstrate that the individual has619
713	672		successfully performed low-voltage wiring in the area of licensure requested for a period620
714	673		of at least one year immediately prior to the time of application.621
715	674		(5) An individual desiring to obtain a Low-voltage Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U622
716	675		license shall submit to the division an affidavit which outlines the experience of said623
717	676		individual in the practice of low-voltage low voltage wiring relating to alarm and624
718	677		telecommunication systems and which describes in detail the installation of at least six625
719	678		complete low-voltage low voltage wiring jobs, three in alarm and three in626
720	679		telecommunication systems, which shall demonstrate that the individual has successfully627
721	680		performed low-voltage low voltage wiring in those areas for a period of at least one year628
722	681		immediately prior to the time of application.629
723	682		(6) Each affidavit for licensure required in paragraphs (1) through (4) of this subsection630
724	683		shall describe in detail the installation of at least three complete low voltage wiring jobs631
725	684		which shall demonstrate that the individual has successfully performed low voltage632
726	685		wiring in the area of licensure requested for a period of at least one year prior to the time633
727	686		of application.634
728	687		(d) The decision of the division as to the necessity of taking the examination or as to the635
729	688		qualifications of applicants taking the required examination shall, in the absence of fraud,636
730	689		be conclusive. All individuals, individuals serving as partners in partnerships, applicants637
731	690		for limited liability companies, or applicants for corporations desiring to engage in the638
732	691		vocation of low-voltage low voltage contracting after December 31, 1984, shall take the639
733	692		examination and qualify under this Code section before engaging in such vocation.640
734	693		(e) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to engage641
735	694		in the business of low-voltage low voltage contracting unless there is regularly connected642
736	695		with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons,643
737	696		actually actively engaged in the performance of such business on a full-time basis and644
738	697		supervising the low-voltage low voltage systems installation, repair, alteration, and service645
739	698		H. B. 187 (SUB)
740	699		- 25 - 25 LC 55 0466S
741		-	work of all employees of such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, who
742		-	646
743		-	have valid licenses issued to them as provided in this chapter; provided, however, that
744		-	647
	700	+	work of all employees of such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, who646
	701	+	have valid licenses issued to them as provided in this chapter; provided, however, that647
745	702		partners, officers, and employees of any individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements648
746	703		shall continue to be authorized to engage in the business of low voltage contracting under649
747	704		a license which was valid at the time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from650
748	705		the date of such death. The division may, at its discretion, upon application by the low651
749	706		voltage contractor showing good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace period.652
750	707		(f) Partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations having In cases where a653
751	708		partnership, limited liability company, or corporation has more than one office location654
752	709		from which low-voltage low voltage contracting is performed, shall have at least one655
753	710		person stationed in each branch office of such partnership, limited liability company, or656
754	711		corporation, who is engaged in the performance of low-voltage low voltage contracting on657
755	712		a full-time basis and; who is supervising the low-voltage low voltage wiring systems658
756	713		installation, repair, alteration, and service work of all employees of such branch office659
757	714		locations, shall have; and who has a valid license issued as provided in this Code section.660
758	715		(f) It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations661
759	716		qualified under this Code section to notify the division, in accordance with board rules, of662
760	717		severance of connection with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation663
761	718		of any person or persons upon whom the qualification of any such partnership, limited664
762	719		liability company, or corporation rested.665
763	720		(g) All applicants for examinations and licenses provided for by this Code section and all666
764	721		applicants for renewal of licenses under this Code section shall be required to fill out a667
765	722		form which shall be provided by the division, which form shall show whether or not the668
766	723		applicant is an individual, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation and, if a669
767	724		partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, the names and addresses of the670
768	725		partners or members or the names and addresses of the officers, when and where formed671
769	726		or incorporated, and such other information as the division in its discretion may require. 672
770	727		H. B. 187 (SUB)
771	728		- 26 - 25 LC 55 0466S
772	729		All forms of application for renewal of licenses shall also show whether or not the673
773	730		applicant, if it is a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, still has connected674
774	731		with it a duly qualified person holding a license issued by the division.675
775	732		(h) The division shall notify each local governing authority of the provisions of this676
776	733		chapter relating to licensure, especially the provisions of subsection (b) of this Code677
777	734		section. The division shall notify such governing authorities that after December 31, 1984,678
778	735		any person desiring a license to engage in the vocation of low-voltage contracting shall be679
779	736		required to pass an examination as provided in this chapter.680
780	737		43-14-8.2 43-14-10.681
781	738		(a) For purposes of this Code section only, 'division' means the 'Division of Utility682
782	739		Contractors.'683
783	740		(b)(1) After June 30, 1994, no No sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation shall684
784	741		have the right to engage in the business of utility contracting unless:685
785	742		(A) Such such business holds a utility contractor license; and686
786	743		(B) There there is regularly connected with such business a person or persons who687
787	744		holds a valid utility manager certificate issued under this chapter, and such. Such utility688
788	745		manager must be actually actively engaged in the performance of such business on a689
789	746		full-time basis and must oversee the utility contracting work of all employees of the690
790	747		business.691
791	748		(2) If In cases where a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation has more than one692
792	749		permanent office, then each permanent office shall be registered with the division and at693
793	750		least one person who holds a valid utility manager certificate issued under this chapter694
794	751		shall be stationed in each office on a full-time basis and shall oversee the utility695
795	752		contracting work of all employees of that office.696
796	753		(2)(3) The requirements of this Code section shall not prevent any person holding a valid697
797	754		license issued by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, or any division698
798	755		H. B. 187 (SUB)
799	756		- 27 - 25 LC 55 0466S
800		-	thereof, pursuant to this chapter, from performing any work defined in the Code section
801		-	699
	757	+	thereof, pursuant to this chapter, from performing any work defined in the Code section699
802	758		or sections under which the license held by said person was issued.700
803	759		(c) Any corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship desiring to qualify and be issued701
804	760		a utility contractor license under the provisions of this subsection shall:702
805	761		(1) Submit a completed application to the division on the form provided indicating:703
806	762		(A) The names and addresses of proprietor, partners, or officers of such applicant;704
807	763		(B) The place and date such partnership was formed or such corporation was705
808	764		incorporated; and706
809	765		(C) The name of the qualifying utility manager holding a current certificate who is707
810	766		employed for each permanent office location of the business from which utility708
811	767		contracting is performed;709
812	768		(2) Submit its safety policy which must meet the minimum standards established by the710
813	769		board;711
814	770		(3) Pay or have paid the required fees; and712
815	771		(4) Not be otherwise in violation of this chapter.713
816	772		(d) The decision of the division as to the qualifications of applicants shall, in the absence714
817	773		of fraud, be conclusive.715
818	774		(e) It shall be the duty of the utility manager certificate holders and the licensed utility716
819		-	contractor to notify the division, in accordance with board rules, of the
820		-	severance of717
	775	+	contractor to notify the division, in accordance with board rules, of the severance of717
821	776		connection between such utility contractor and the utility manager certificate holder or718
822	777		holders upon whom the qualification of the utility contractor rested.719
823	778		(f) In the event that a licensed utility contractor temporarily does not have employed a720
824	779		utility manager certificate holder to oversee its utility contracting work, upon notice by721
825	780		such utility contractor to the division within five seven days following the last day of722
826	781		employment of the utility manager certificate holder, the division shall grant the utility723
827	782		contractor a 90 day grace period in which to employ a utility manager certificate holder to724
828	783		oversee its utility contracting work before any action may be taken by the division to725
829	784		H. B. 187 (SUB)
830	785		- 28 - 25 LC 55 0466S
831		-	revoke the utility contractor's license. The division may, at its discretion, upon application
832		-	726
833		-	by the utility contractor showing good cause,
834		-	grant one additional 90 day grace period. 727
	786	+	revoke the utility contractor's license. The division may, at its discretion, upon application726
	787	+	by the utility contractor showing good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace period. 727
835	788		Grace periods totaling not more than 180 days may be granted during any two-year period. 728
836	789		Failure to have employed a utility manager certificate holder to oversee the utility729
837	790		contracting work of the utility contractor shall be grounds for the revocation or suspension730
838	791		of the utility contractor license after a notice of hearing.731
839	792		(g) All applicants for renewal of utility contractor licenses provided for by this Code732
840	793		section shall be required to submit with the required fee a completed application on a form733
841	794		provided by the division.734
842	795		(h) It shall be unlawful for any person to contract with any other person for the735
843	796		performance of utility contracting work who is known by such person not to have a current,736
844	797		valid license as a utility contractor pursuant to this chapter.737
845	798		43-14-8.3 43-14-11.738
846	799		(a) After June 30, 1994, no No person may be employed as a utility manager unless that739
847	800		person holds a current utility manager certificate issued by the Division of Utility740
848	801		Contractors.741
849	802		(b) The division shall certify all applicants for certification under this chapter who satisfy742
850	803		the requirements of this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated under this743
851	804		chapter. Persons wishing to qualify for utility manager certification shall submit a744
852	805		completed application form documenting required experience and other qualifications as745
853	806		prescribed by the board with the required fees, and shall pass an examination, and. In order746
854	807		to obtain a utility manager certificate, an applicant must submit proof of completion of a747
855	808		board approved safety training course of safety training in utility contracting approved by748
856	809		the division. In order to continue to hold such certificate, the certificate holder must749
857	810		present proof to the division of completion of a safety training course approved by the750
858	811		H. B. 187 (SUB)
859	812		- 29 - 25 LC 55 0466S
860		-	division at least every two years from the date of the completion of the initial safety
861		-	751
	813	+	division at least every two years from the date of the completion of the initial safety751
862	814		training course.752
863	815		(c) An applicant may request an oral administration of the examination.753
864		-	43-14-8.4
865		-	43-14-12.754
	816	+	43-14-8.4 43-14-12.754
866	817		(a) After June 30, 1994, no No person may be employed as a utility foreman unless that755
867	818		person holds a current utility foreman certificate issued by the Division of Utility756
868	819		Contractors.757
869	820		(b) The division shall certify all applicants for certification under this chapter who satisfy758
870	821		the requirements of this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated under this759
871	822		chapter. One requirement for such certification shall be the successful completion of a760
872	823		board approved safety training course of safety training in utility contracting approved by761
873	824		the division. In order to continue to hold such certificate, the certificate holder must submit762
874	825		proof to the division of completion of a safety training course approved by the division at763
875	826		least every two years from the date of the completion of the initial safety training course. 764
876	827		In lieu of safety training any person desiring to be issued a utility foreman certificate may765
877	828		submit a completed application on or before December 31, 1994, which documents to the766
878	829		satisfaction of the division at least two years of experience as a utility foreman during the767
879	830		period between January 1, 1984, and June 30, 1994. Any person who does not submit a768
880	831		completed application for certification on or before December 31, 1994, must complete the769
881	832		required safety training in order to be certified.770
882	833		(c) After June 30, 1994, no No utility system shall be constructed, erected, altered, or771
883	834		repaired unless a certified utility manager or certified utility foreman who holds a current772
884	835		certification is present at the job site of such construction, erection, alteration, or repair of773
885	836		the utility system.774
886	837		H. B. 187 (SUB)
887	838		- 30 - 25 LC 55 0466S
888	839		43-14-9 43-14-13.775
889	840		(a) Every person holding a license issued by a division of the board shall display it in a776
890	841		conspicuous manner at his or her place of business.777
891	842		(b) All commercial vehicles used by licensees and certificate holders exclusively in the778
892	843		daily operation of their business shall have prominently displayed thereon the company or779
893	844		business registration or certificate number issued by the Secretary of State's office. Such780
894	845		registration number or certificate number, or website address where such number can be781
895	846		found, shall also be prominently displayed on any advertising in telephone yellow pages782
896	847		and newspapers relating to work which a licensee or certificate holder purports to have the783
897	848		capacity to perform. Said registration or certificate number shall also be printed on all784
898	849		invoices and proposal forms.785
899	850		43-14-10 43-14-14.786
900	851		This chapter shall be administered in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the 'Georgia787
901	852		Administrative Procedure Act.'788
902	853		43-14-11 43-14-15.789
903	854		Whenever it shall appear to a division of the board or to the executive director or to a790
904	855		county or municipal inspection authority that any person is or has been violating this791
905	856		chapter or any of the lawful rules, regulations, or orders of the board, the division of the792
906	857		board, the local inspection authority, or the appropriate prosecuting attorney may file a793
907	858		petition for an injunction in the proper superior court of this state against such person for794
908	859		the purpose of enjoining any such violation. It shall not be necessary to allege or prove that795
909	860		there is no adequate remedy at law. The right of injunction provided for in this Code796
910	861		section shall be in addition to any other legal remedy which the board has and shall be in797
911	862		addition to any right of criminal prosecution provided for by law.798
912	863		H. B. 187 (SUB)
913	864		- 31 - 25 LC 55 0466S
914	865		43-14-12 43-14-16.799
915	866		(a) Any municipal or county inspection authority which meets the standards established800
916	867		by the board shall be authorized, after notice and hearing, to suspend the license or801
917	868		certificate of competency of, or refuse to restore a license or certificate of competency to,802
918	869		any person or licensee upon the grounds set out in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Code803
919	870		Section 43-14-6; provided, however, that such suspension of a license by a local inspection804
920	871		authority shall be applicable only within the jurisdiction of such local authority. Any805
921	872		person aggrieved by an action of a local authority shall be entitled to an appeal to the806
922	873		appropriate division of the board and shall be entitled to a hearing.807
923	874		(b)(1) This chapter shall not be construed to prohibit the governing authority of any808
924	875		county or municipality in the state from adopting and enforcing codes at the local level;809
925	876		provided, however, that no county or municipality may require any licensed conditioned810
926	877		air contractor or licensed plumber who has executed and deposited a bond as authorized811
927	878		in paragraph (2) of this subsection to give or furnish or execute any code compliance812
928	879		bond or similar bond for the purpose of ensuring that all construction, installation, or813
929	880		modifications are made or completed in compliance with the county or municipal814
930	881		ordinances or building and construction codes.815
931	882		(2) In order to protect the public from damages arising from any work by a licensed816
932	883		conditioned air contractor or licensed plumber, which work fails to comply with the817
933	884		ordinances or building and construction codes adopted by any county or municipal818
934	885		corporation, any such licensed conditioned air contractor or licensed plumber may819
935	886		execute and deposit with the judge of the probate court in the county of his or her820
936	887		principal place of business a bond in the sum of $10,000.00. Such bond shall be a cash821
937	888		bond of $10,000.00 or executed by a surety authorized and qualified to write surety bonds822
938	889		in the State of Georgia and shall be approved by the judge of the probate court. Such823
939	890		bond shall be conditioned upon all work done or supervised by such licensee complying824
940	891		with the provisions of any ordinances or building and construction codes of any county825
941	892		H. B. 187 (SUB)
942	893		- 32 - 25 LC 55 0466S
943		-	or municipal corporation wherein the work is performed. Action on such bond may be
944		-	826
	894	+	or municipal corporation wherein the work is performed. Action on such bond may be826
945	895		brought against the principal and surety thereon in the name of and for the benefit of any827
946	896		person who suffers damages as a consequence of said licensee's work not conforming to828
947	897		the requirements of any ordinances or building and construction codes; provided,829
948	898		however, that the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons so damaged shall in no830
949	899		event exceed the sum of such bond.831
950	900		(3) In any case where a bond is required under this subsection, the conditioned air832
951	901		contractor or plumber shall file a copy of the bond with the building official in the833
952	902		political subdivision wherein the work is being performed.834
953	903		(4) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to or affect any bonding835
954	904		requirements involving contracts for public works as provided in Chapter 10 of Title 13.836
955	905		(c) No provision of this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting or preventing a837
956	906		municipality or county from fixing, charging, assessing, or collecting any license fee,838
957	907		registration fee, tax, or gross receipt tax on any related business or on anyone engaged in839
958	908		any related business governed by this chapter.840
959		-	43-14-12.1
960		-	43-14-17.841
	909	+	43-14-12.1 43-14-17.841
961	910		(a) If a person is in violation of paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (c) of Code Section842
962	911		43-14-8, it shall not be necessary for an investigator to observe or witness the unlicensed843
963	912		person engaged illegally in the process of work or to show work in progress or work844
964	913		completed in order to prove the unlawful practice of conditioned air contracting, plumbing845
965	914		contracting, or electrical contracting by an unlicensed person.846
966	915		(b) It shall be prima-facie evidence of a violation of this chapter if any person not licensed847
967	916		as a conditioned air contractor, plumbing contractor, or electrical contractor advertises that848
968	917		such person is in the business or profession of a conditioned air contractor, plumbing849
969	918		contractor, or electrical contractor or advertises in a manner such that the general public850
970	919		would believe that such person is a licensed conditioned air contractor or in the business851
971	920		H. B. 187 (SUB)
972	921		- 33 - 25 LC 55 0466S
973	922		or profession of a conditioned air contractor, is a licensed plumbing contractor in the852
974	923		business or profession of a plumbing contractor, or is a licensed electrical contractor in the853
975	924		business or profession of an electrical contractor. Advertising under this subsection854
976	925		includes, but is not limited to, newspaper, internet, social media and digital applications,855
977	926		television, radio, telephone directory listings, mailings, business cards, or sign at signage856
978	927		at a place of business or attached to a vehicle.857
979	928		(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Code Section 43-1-20.1, after notice and hearing,858
980	929		the board may issue a cease and desist order prohibiting any person from violating the859
981	930		provisions of this chapter by engaging in the business or profession of a conditioned air860
982	931		contractor, plumbing contractor, or electrical contractor without a license as required under861
983	932		this chapter.862
984	933		(d) The violation of any cease and desist order of the board issued under subsection (c) of863
985	934		this Code section shall subject the person violating the order to further proceedings before864
986	935		the board, and the board shall be authorized to impose a fine not to exceed $500.00865
987	936		$1,500.00 for each violation thereof. Each day that a person practices in violation of this866
988	937		Code section and chapter shall constitute a separate violation.867
989	938		(e) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit the board from seeking868
990	939		remedies otherwise available by statute without first seeking a cease and desist order in869
991	940		accordance with the provisions of this Code section.870
992	941		43-14-12.2 43-14-18.871
993	942		(a) If a person is in violation of Code Section 43-14-8.2, 43-14-8.3, or 43-14-8.4 43-14-10,872
994	943		43-14-11, or 43-14-12, it shall not be necessary for an investigator to observe or witness873
995	944		the unlicensed person engaged illegally in the process of work or to show work in progress874
996	945		or work completed in order to prove the unlawful practice of utility contracting by an875
997	946		unlicensed person.876
998	947		H. B. 187 (SUB)
999	948		- 34 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1000		-	(b) It shall be prima-facie evidence of a violation of this chapter if any person not licensed
1001		-	877
	949	+	(b) It shall be prima-facie evidence of a violation of this chapter if any person not licensed877
1002	950		as a utility contractor advertises that such person is in the business or profession of a utility878
1003	951		contractor or advertises in a manner such that the general public would believe that such879
1004	952		person is a licensed utility contractor or in the business or profession of a utility contractor. 880
1005	953		Advertising under this subsection includes, but is not limited to, newspaper, television, or881
1006	954		radio advertisements, telephone directory listings, mailings, business cards, or a sign or882
1007	955		signs at a place of business or attached to a vehicle.883
1008	956		(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Code Section 43-1-20.1, after notice and hearing,884
1009	957		the board may issue a cease and desist order prohibiting any person from violating the885
1010	958		provisions of this chapter by engaging in the business or profession of a utility contractor886
1011	959		without a license as required under this chapter or by constructing, erecting, altering, or887
1012	960		repairing a utility system without a properly certified utility manager or properly certified888
1013	961		utility foreman present at such job site.889
1014	962		(d) The violation of any cease and desist order of the board issued under subsection (c) of890
1015	963		this Code section shall subject the person violating the order to further proceedings before891
1016	964		the board, and the board shall be authorized to impose a fine not to exceed $5,000.00 for892
1017	965		each violation thereof. Each day that a person practices in violation of this Code section893
1018	966		and chapter or constructs, erects, alters, or repairs a utility system without a properly894
1019	967		certified utility manager or properly certified utility foreman present at such job site shall895
1020	968		constitute a separate violation.896
1021	969		(e) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit the board from seeking897
1022	970		remedies otherwise available by statute without first seeking a cease and desist order in898
1023	971		accordance with the provisions of this Code section.899
1024		-	43-14-13
1025		-	43-14-19.900
	972	+	43-14-13 43-14-19.900
1026	973		(a) This chapter shall apply to all installations, alterations, and repairs of plumbing,901
1027	974		air-conditioning and heating, or electrical or low-voltage low voltage wiring or utility902
1028	975		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1029	976		- 35 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1030		-	systems within or on public or private buildings, structures, or premises except as otherwise
1031		-	903
	977	+	systems within or on public or private buildings, structures, or premises except as otherwise903
1032	978		provided in this Code section.904
1033		-	(b) Any person who
1034		-	that holds a license issued under this chapter may engage in the905
	979	+	(b) Any person who that holds a license issued under this chapter may engage in the905
1035	980		business of plumbing contracting, electrical contracting, conditioned air contracting,906
1036	981		low-voltage low voltage contracting, or utility contracting but only as prescribed by the907
1037	982		license, throughout the state; and except as provided in Code Section 43-14-12 43-14-16,908
1038	983		no municipality or county may require such person to comply with any additional licensing909
1039	984		requirements imposed by such municipality or county.910
1040	985		(c) This chapter shall not apply to:911
1041	986		(1) The the installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing, air-conditioning and heating,912
1042	987		utility systems, or electrical services, except low-voltage low voltage wiring services, up913
1043	988		to and including the meters where such work is performed by and is an integral part of914
1044	989		the system owned or operated by a public service corporation, an electrical, water, or gas915
1045	990		department of any municipality in this state, a railroad company, a pipeline company, or916
1046	991		a mining company in the exercise of its normal function as such.;917
1047	992		(2) Low voltage wiring performed by public utilities, except that the portion of the918
1048	993		business of public utilities which involves the installation, alteration, repair, or service919
1049	994		of telecommunication systems for profit shall be covered under this chapter;920
1050	995		(3) The installation, construction, or maintenance of power systems or921
1051	996		telecommunication systems for the generation or distribution of electric current922
1052	997		constructed under the National Electrical Safety Code, which regulates the safety923
1053	998		requirements of utilities; but the interior wiring regulated by the National Electrical924
1054	999		Safety Code shall not be exempt and must be done by an electrical contractor, except as925
1055	1000		otherwise provided by law;926
1056	1001		(4) Any technician employed by a municipal or county franchised community antenna927
1057	1002		television (CATV) system or a municipally owned CATV system in the performance of928
1058	1003		work on the system;929
1059	1004		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1060	1005		- 36 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1061	1006		(5) Regular full-time employees of an institution, manufacturer, or business who perform930
1062	1007		plumbing, electrical, low voltage wiring, utility contracting, or conditioned air contracting931
1063	1008		when working on the premises of their employer;932
1064	1009		(6) A contractor certified by the Department of Public Health to make the connection to933
1065	1010		any on-site waste-water management system from the stub out exiting the structure to an934
1066	1011		on-site waste-water management system;935
1067	1012		(7) Any employee or authorized agent of a regulated gas utility or municipally owned936
1068	1013		gas utility while in the course and scope of such employment; or937
1069	1014		(8) Persons licensed as manufactured or mobile home installers by the state fire marshal938
1070	1015		when:939
1071	1016		(A) Coupling the electrical connection from the service entrance panel outside the940
1072	1017		manufactured housing to the distribution panel board inside the manufactured housing;941
1073	1018		(B) Connecting the exterior sewer outlets to the aboveground sewer system; or942
1074	1019		(C) Connecting the exterior water line to the aboveground water system.943
1075	1020		(d) This chapter shall not prohibit:944
1076	1021		(1) An an individual from installing, altering, or repairing plumbing fixtures,945
1077	1022		air-conditioning and heating, air-conditioning and heating fixtures, utility systems, or946
1078	1023		electrical or low-voltage low voltage wiring services in a residential dwelling owned or947
1079	1024		occupied by such individual; provided, however, that all such work must be done in948
1080	1025		conformity with all other provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations of the board,949
1081	1026		and any applicable county or municipal resolutions, ordinances, codes, or inspection950
1082	1027		requirements.;951
1083	1028		(e)(2) An This chapter shall not prohibit an individual employed on the maintenance staff952
1084	1029		of a facility owned by the state or by a county, municipality, or other political subdivision953
1085	1030		from installing, altering, or repairing plumbing, plumbing fixtures, air-conditioning and954
1086	1031		heating fixtures, utility systems, or electrical or low-voltage low voltage wiring services955
1087	1032		when such work is an integral part of the maintenance requirements of the facility;956
1088	1033		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1089	1034		- 37 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1090		-	provided, however, that all such work must be done in conformity with all other
1091		-	957
1092		-	provisions of this chapter and the orders, rules, and regulations of the board.
1093		-	;958
	1035	+	provided, however, that all such work must be done in conformity with all other957
	1036	+	provisions of this chapter and the orders, rules, and regulations of the board.;958
1094	1037		(f)(3) Any This chapter shall not prohibit any person from installing, altering, or959
1095	1038		repairing plumbing, plumbing fixtures, air-conditioning and heating fixtures, utility960
1096	1039		systems, or electrical or low-voltage low voltage wiring services in a farm or ranch961
1097	1040		service building or as an integral part of any irrigation system on a farm or ranch when962
1098	1041		such system is not located within 30 feet of any dwelling or any building devoted to963
1099	1042		animal husbandry. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the application964
1100	1043		of any resolution, ordinance, code, or inspection requirements of a county or municipality965
1101	1044		relating to such connections.;966
1102	1045		(4) Any person from installing, altering, or repairing the plumbing component of a lawn967
1103	1046		sprinkler system from a backflow preventer which was installed by a licensed plumber;968
1104	1047		provided, however, that all such work must be done in conformity with all other969
1105	1048		provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations of the board, and ordinances of the970
1106	1049		county or municipality; or971
1107	1050		(5) Any propane dealer that is properly insured as required by law and that holds a972
1108	1051		liquefied petroleum gas license issued by the Safety Fire Commissioner from installing,973
1109	1052		repairing, or servicing a propane system or the gas piping or components of such system;974
1110	1053		provided, however, that such propane dealers shall be prohibited from performing the975
1111	1054		installation of conditioned air systems or forced air heating systems unless licensed to do976
1112	1055		so under this chapter.977
1113	1056		(g) This chapter shall not apply to low-voltage wiring performed by public utilities, except978
1114	1057		that such portion of the business of those public utilities which involves the installation,979
1115	1058		alteration, repair, or service of telecommunication systems for profit shall be covered under980
1116	1059		this chapter.981
1117	1060		(h) This chapter shall not apply to the installation, construction, or maintenance of power982
1118	1061		systems or telecommunication systems for the generation or distribution of electric current983
1119	1062		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1120	1063		- 38 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1121	1064		constructed under the National Electrical Safety Code, which regulates the safety984
1122	1065		requirements of utilities; but the interior wiring regulated by the National Electrical Safety985
1123	1066		Code would not be exempt and must be done by an electrical contractor except as986
1124	1067		otherwise provided by law.987
1125	1068		(i) This chapter shall not apply to any technician employed by a municipal or988
1126	1069		county-franchised community antenna television (CATV) system or a municipally owned989
1127	1070		community antenna television system in the performance of work on the system.990
1128	1071		(j) This chapter shall not apply to regular full-time employees of an institution,991
1129	1072		manufacturer, or business who perform plumbing, electrical, low-voltage wiring, utility992
1130	1073		contracting, or conditioned air contracting when working on the premises of that employer.993
1131	1074		(k) This chapter shall not apply to persons licensed as manufactured or mobile home994
1132	1075		installers by the state fire marshal when:995
1133	1076		(1) Coupling the electrical connection from the service entrance panel outside the996
1134	1077		manufactured housing to the distribution panel board inside the manufactured housing;997
1135	1078		(2) Connecting the exterior sewer outlets to the above-ground sewer system; or998
1136	1079		(3) Connecting the exterior water line to the above-ground water system.999
1137	1080		(l)(e) Any person qualified by the Department of Transportation to perform work for the1000
1138	1081		department shall not be required to be licensed under:1001
1139	1082		(1) Code Section 43-14-8.2 43-14-10 or certified under Code Sections 43-14-8.31002
1140	1083		43-14-11 and 43-14-8.4 43-14-12 in order to perform work for the department. Any1003
1141	1084		person qualified by the Department of Transportation to perform work for the department1004
1142	1085		shall not be required to be licensed under; or1005
1143	1086		(2) Code Section 43-14-8.2 43-14-10 or certified under Code Sections 43-14-8.31006
1144	1087		43-14-11 and 43-14-8.4 43-14-12 in order to perform work for a county, municipality,1007
1145	1088		authority, or other political subdivision when such work is of the same nature as that for1008
1146	1089		which the person is qualified when performing department work; provided, however, that1009
1147	1090		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1148	1091		- 39 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1149	1092		such work is not performed on a utility system as defined in paragraph (17) (23) of Code1010
1150	1093		Section 43-14-2 for which the person receives compensation.1011
1151	1094		(m) This chapter shall not prohibit any person from installing, altering, or repairing the1012
1152	1095		plumbing component of a lawn sprinkler system from a backflow preventer which was1013
1153	1096		installed by a licensed plumber; provided, however, that all such work must be done in1014
1154	1097		conformity with all other provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations of the board,1015
1155	1098		and ordinances of the county or municipality.1016
1156	1099		(n)(f) Any person who contracts with a licensed conditioned air contractor:1017
1157	1100		(1) As as part of a conditioned air contract to install, alter, or repair duct systems, control1018
1158	1101		systems, or insulation is not required to hold a license from the Division of Conditioned1019
1159	1102		Air Contractors. The conditioned air contractor must retain responsibility for completion1020
1160	1103		of the contract, including any subcontracted work.;1021
1161	1104		(2) To Any person who contracts with a licensed conditioned air contractor to perform1022
1162	1105		a complete installation, alteration, or repair of a conditioned air system must hold a valid1023
1163	1106		license from the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors.; or1024
1164	1107		(3) To Any person who contracts to perform for or on behalf of a conditioned air1025
1165	1108		contractor to install, alter, or repair electrical, low-voltage the installation, alteration, or1026
1166	1109		repair of the electrical, low voltage, or plumbing components of a conditioned air system1027
1167	1110		must hold a valid license from the appropriate division of the board.1028
1168	1111		(o) This chapter shall not prohibit any propane dealer who is properly insured as required1029
1169	1112		by law and who holds a liquefied petroleum gas license issued by the Safety Fire1030
1170	1113		Commissioner from installing, repairing, or servicing a propane system or the gas piping1031
1171	1114		or components of such system; provided, however, that such propane dealers shall be1032
1172	1115		prohibited from performing the installation of conditioned air systems or forced air heating1033
1173	1116		systems unless licensed to do so under this chapter.1034
1174	1117		(p) This chapter shall not apply to any employee or authorized agent of a regulated gas1035
1175	1118		utility or municipal owned gas utility while in the course and scope of such employment.1036
1176	1119		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1177	1120		- 40 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1178	1121		(q)(g) Any utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter1037
1179	1122		shall be authorized to bid for and perform work on any utility system in this state without1038
1180	1123		obtaining a license under Chapter 41 of this title. It shall be unlawful for the owner of a1039
1181	1124		utility system or anyone soliciting work to be performed on a utility system to refuse to1040
1182	1125		allow a utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter to bid1041
1183	1126		for or perform work on a utility system on the basis that such contractor does not hold a1042
1184	1127		license under Chapter 41 of this title.1043
1185	1128		43-14-14 43-14-20.1044
1186	1129		Any person violating this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction1045
1187	1130		thereof, shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 $3,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than1046
1188	1131		six months, or both.1047
1189	1132		43-14-15 43-14-21.1048
1190	1133		(a) As used in this Code section, the term:1049
1191	1134		(1) 'Discharge' means an honorable discharge or a general discharge from active military1050
1192	1135		service. Such term shall not mean a discharge under other than honorable conditions, a1051
1193	1136		bad conduct discharge, or a dishonorable discharge.1052
1194	1137		(2) 'Military' means the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the1053
1195	1138		armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard.1054
1196	1139		(b) A committee composed of the division director, members of the Governor's Office of1055
1197	1140		Workforce Development, and members of the relevant divisions of the licensing board1056
1198	1141		representing the profession for which the applicant is seeking a license shall determine the1057
1199	1142		military specialties or certifications the training or experience for which substantially meets1058
1200	1143		or exceeds the requirements to obtain a license for Electrical Contractor Class I,1059
1201	1144		Journeyman Plumber, Conditioned Air Contractor Class I, or Utility Foreman. The1060
1202	1145		Governor shall designate a chairperson from among the members of the committee.1061
1203	1146		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1204	1147		- 41 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1205		-	(c) Any current or former member of the military may apply to the licensing board for the
1206		-	1062
1207		-	immediate
1208		-	expedited issuance of a license or certification based upon his or her having1063
	1148	+	(c) Any current or former member of the military may apply to the licensing board for the1062
	1149	+	immediate expedited issuance of a license or certification based upon his or her having1063
1209	1150		obtained a military specialty or certification, the training or experience for which1064
1210	1151		substantially meets or exceeds the requirements to obtain a license or certification1065
1211	1152		identified in subsection (b) of this Code section.1066
1212	1153		(d) In order to qualify under this subsection, an applicant shall make application not later1067
1213	1154		than two years after his or her discharge.-The licensing board, in its discretion, may by rule1068
1214	1155		or regulation extend such two-year period for a license or certification, or class thereof, or1069
1215	1156		may extend such two-year period for an individual applicant if certain circumstances,1070
1216	1157		including, but not limited to, health, hospitalization, or other related emergencies or1071
1217	1158		exigencies, prevented the member of the military from making an application.1072
1218	1159		(e)-Such application shall be in such form and shall require such documentation as the1073
1219	1160		division director shall determine.-If the applicant satisfies the requirements of this Code1074
1220	1161		section, the division director shall direct the appropriate division to issue the appropriate1075
1221	1162		license, and the division shall immediately issue such license; provided, however, that the1076
1222	1163		applicant shall satisfy all financial and insurance requirements for the issuance of such1077
1223	1164		license. This Code section shall only apply to the initial issuance of a license. After the1078
1224	1165		initial issuance of a license, the licensee shall be subject to any provisions relating to the1079
1225	1166		renewal of the license applicable to all licensees.1080
1226	1167		43-14-22.1081
1227	1168		The board may establish a process through rules and regulations for licenses issued under1082
1228	1169		this chapter to be placed on inactive status and the qualifications necessary for such1083
1229	1170		licenses to be returned to active status; provided, however, that engaging in any conduct1084
1230	1171		that requires a license under this chapter while holding an inactive license shall be1085
1231	1172		considered an unlicensed practice and shall be prohibited."1086
1232	1173		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1233	1174		- 42 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1234		-	PART II
1235		-	1087
	1175	+	PART II1087
1236	1176		SECTION 2-1.1088
1237	1177		Title 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to buildings and housing, is1089
1238	1178		amended in:1090
1239	1179		(1) Code Section 8-2-26, relating to enforcement of codes generally, employment and1091
1240	1180		training of inspectors, and contracts for administration and enforcement of codes, in1092
1241	1181		subparagraph (d)(2)(D), by replacing "paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of Code Section1093
1242	1182		43-14-12" with "paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of Code Section 43-14-16".1094
1243	1183		(2) Code Section 8-2-102, relating to inspections, in subsection (e), by replacing1095
1244	1184		"43-14-8.1" with "43-14-9".1096
1245	1185		SECTION 2-2.1097
1246	1186		Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to commerce and trade, is1098
1247	1187		amended in:1099
1248	1188		(1) Code Section 10-5B-3, relating to rules to prohibit deceptive, fraudulent, or abusive1100
1249	1189		telemarketing activities authorized, in subsection (a), by replacing "low-voltage" with "low1101
1250	1190		voltage".1102
1251	1191		(2) Code Section 10-5B-4, relating to required and prohibited telephone conduct and1103
1252	1192		activities and liability, in subsection (a), by replacing "low-voltage" with "low voltage".1104
1253	1193		(3) Code Section 10-5B-5, relating to applicability to persons subject to other provisions1105
1254	1194		of the Code, in subsection (c), by replacing "low-voltage" with "low voltage".1106
1255	1195		(4) Code Section 10-5B-7, relating to remedies, duties, prohibitions, and penalties not1107
1256	1196		exclusive and construction with other provisions of the Code, in subsection (b), by1108
1257	1197		replacing "low-voltage" with "low voltage".1109
1258	1198		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1259	1199		- 43 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1260		-	SECTION 2-3.
1261		-	1110
	1200	+	SECTION 2-3.1110
1262	1201		Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local government, is amended1111
1263	1202		in Code Section 36-60-12.1, relating to fence detection systems, definition, and utilization,1112
1264	1203		by revising paragraph (b)(1) as follows:1113
1265	1204		"(1) Treat fence detection systems in all zoning and permitting matters exclusively as1114
1266		-	alarm systems as such term is defined in paragraph (.1) of
1267		-	Code Section 43-14-2; and"1115
	1205	+	alarm systems as such term is defined in paragraph (.1) of Code Section 43-14-2; and"1115
1268	1206		SECTION 2-4.1116
1269	1207		Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses,1117
1270	1208		is amended in:1118
1271	1209		(1) Code Section 43-41-2, relating to definitions relative to residential and commercial1119
1272	1210		general contractors, in paragraph (3), by replacing "low-voltage" with "low voltage".1120
1273	1211		(2) Code Section 43-41-17, relating to effective date of licensing and sanctioning1121
1274	1212		provisions, unenforceable contracts, compliance with county or municipal requirements,1122
1275	1213		exemption for DOT contractors, and other exceptions, in subsection (e), by replacing1123
1276	1214		"low-voltage" with "low voltage".1124
1277	1215		SECTION 2-5.1125
1278	1216		Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public utilities and public1126
1279	1217		transportation, is amended in:1127
1280	1218		(1) Code Section 46-3-30, relating to short title, by replacing "High-voltage" with "High1128
1281	1219		Voltage".1129
1282	1220		(2) Code Section 46-3-31, relating to purpose of part, by replacing "high-voltage" with1130
1283	1221		"high voltage".1131
1284	1222		(3) Code Section 46-3-32, relating to definitions, in paragraph (1), by replacing1132
1285	1223		"High-voltage" with "High voltage" and in paragraphs (5) and (6), by replacing1133
1286	1224		"high-voltage" with "high voltage".1134
1287	1225		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1288	1226		- 44 - 25 LC 55 0466S
1289		-	(4) Code Section 46-3-33, relating to required conditions for commencing work within ten
1290		-	1135
	1227	+	(4) Code Section 46-3-33, relating to required conditions for commencing work within ten1135
1291	1228		feet of high-voltage line, in the introductory language and in paragraph (2), by replacing1136
1292	1229		"high-voltage" with "high voltage".1137
1293	1230		(5) Code Section 46-3-34, relating to utilities protection center, funding of activities,1138
1294	1231		notice of work, delay, and responsibility for completing safety requirements, by replacing1139
1295	1232		"high-voltage" with "high voltage" each time the term appears.1140
1296	1233		(6) Code Section 46-3-35, relating to allocation of expense of precautionary measures1141
1297	1234		taken pursuant to public highway construction, by replacing "high-voltage" with "high1142
1298	1235		voltage".1143
1299	1236		(7) Code Section 46-3-37, relating to applicability of part to railway systems and electrical1144
1300	1237		engineering system or other entities, in subsection (b), by replacing "high-voltage" with1145
1301	1238		"high voltage" both times the term appears.1146
1302	1239		(8) Code Section 46-3-39, relating to restriction on liability of owners and operators of1147
1303	1240		high-voltage lines and effect of part on duty or degree of care, by replacing "high-voltage"1148
1304	1241		with "high voltage" each time the term appears.1149
1305	1242		(9) Code Section 46-3-40, relating to criminal penalty, strict liability for injury or damage,1150
1306	1243		indemnification, and liability for cost of delay, by replacing "high-voltage" with "high1151
1307	1244		voltage" each time the term appears.1152
1308	1245		PART III1153
1309	1246		SECTION 3-1.1154
1310	1247		This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law1155
1311	1248		without such approval.1156
1312	1249		SECTION 3-2.1157
1313	1250		All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.1158
1314	1251		H. B. 187 (SUB)
1315	1252		- 45 -