RDCSB447 3264 5561
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Morrell SB No. 447
Proposed law provides that no licensed contractor shall install solar energy equipment or
solar energy systems on or after February 1, 2015, unless he is in compliance with the
provisions of proposed law and any rules adopted by the board.
Proposed law provides that notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no later
than January 1, 2015, the board shall adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative
Procedure Act regulating the installation of solar energy equipment or solar energy systems
by licensed contractors. Such rules shall, at a minimum, include the requirement of passage
of a separate written examination that evidences the contractor's knowledge and
understanding of best practices as related to the installation and maintenance of solar energy
equipment or solar energy systems by any contractor who does not hold a current Solar PV
Installer certification for solar electric systems, or a current Solar Heating Installer
certification for solar thermal hot water systems as issued by the North American Board of
Certified Energy Practitioners.
Proposed law provides that a contractor licensed in the state of La. as of August 1, 2014,
holding the major classification of Building Construction, Electrical Work (Statewide), or
Mechanical Work (Statewide), is deemed to have met the examination requirement of
proposed law.
Proposed law further provides that contractors applying for the classification of Solar Energy
Equipment, shall, in addition to all other application or licensing requirements, meet the
following requirements prior to issuance of this classification:
(1)Hold one or more of the following major classifications:
(a)Building Construction.
(b) Electrical Work.
(c) Mechanical Work.
(d)Residential Building Contractor.
(2)Complete training in the design of solar energy systems by an entity and course
approved by the board.
Proposed law provides that any work performed to connect wiring or hookups for any
photovoltaic panel or system wherein the panel or system is of a value, including labor,
materials, rentals, and all direct and indirect project expenses, of $10,000 or more shall be
performed only by a contractor or subcontractor who holds the classification of Electrical
Work or who may perform electrical work under certain provisions of law.
Proposed law provides that any work performed to connect piping or equipment for any solar
thermal system wherein the system is of a value, including labor, materials, rentals, and all
direct and indirect project expenses, of $10,000 or more shall be performed only by a
contractor or subcontractor who holds the classification of Mechanical Work or who may
perform mechanical work under certain provision of law.
Proposed law shall be applicable to entities engaging in the business of selling, leasing,
installing, servicing, or monitoring solar energy equipment. RDCSB447 3264 5561
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Proposed law shall not be construed to impose civil or criminal liability on homeowners or
on any third party whose involvement is financing to the homeowner, financing for
installation, or purchasing the tax credits described from any homeowner or contractor.
Proposed law also provides that entities engaged in the business of arranging agreements for
the lease or sale of solar energy systems or acquiring customers for financing entities shall
not be exempt from the provisions of proposed law.
Effective August 1, 2014.
(Adds R.S. 37:2156.3)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer
Protection, and International Affairs to the original bill
1. Provides that on or after February 1, 2015, no licensed contractor shall install
solar energy equipment or solar energy systems unless he is in compliance
with the law.
2. Provides for the minimum requirements of rules adopted by the State
Licensing Board for Contractors relative to a written examination for the
installation and maintenance of solar energy equipment or solar energy
systems.
3. Provides for licensure requirements and solar energy equipment
classification requirements.
4. Removes references to solar electric systems and solar thermal systems.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Adds the residential building contractor as one of the major classifications
that meets licensing requirements.
2. Clarifies which entities shall be affected by the provisions of proposed law.
3. Technical amendments.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Commerce to the
reengrossed bill.
1. Made technical changes.
2. Added that a contractor licensed in the state of La. as of August 1, 2014, holding
the major classification of Building Construction, Electrical Work (Statewide),
or Mechanical Work (Statewide), is deemed to have met the examination
requirement of proposed law.