RDCSB421 3264 4792
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)]
SB 421 Engrossed 2016 Regular Session Thompson
Present law provides relative to the qualifications, training requirements, and licensure of
plumbers. Further provides for three classifications of plumbers: (1) apprentice plumber; (2)
journeyman plumber; and (3) master plumber.
Proposed law retains present law and creates a new licensure category for plumbers between
the apprentice and journeyman levels - the tradesman plumber limited license - and requires
the State Plumbing Board to adopt tests of qualifications for tradesman plumbers. Further
provides that a tradesman plumber may only repair existing plumbing systems in one- and
two-family dwellings.
Proposed law defines "tradesman plumber" as a natural person who possesses the necessary
qualifications and knowledge to repair existing plumbing systems and is licensed by the
board to repair existing plumbing systems in one- and two-family dwellings at the direction
of a master plumber, without the supervision of a journeyman plumber.
Proposed law requires the State Plumbing Board, not later than January 1, 2017, to create
and maintain a registry of all apprentice plumbers employed in the state. Further provides
that the board shall issue a certificate to all registrants.
Proposed law provides that the State Plumbing Board shall issue a tradesman plumber
limited license to any person who meets the following qualifications:
(1)Has a current apprentice registration certificate issued by the board.
(2)Has worked at least four thousand hours at the manual labor of plumbing under the
direct, constant, on-the-job supervision of a journeyman or master plumber licensed
by the board.
(3)Has successfully completed any educational requirements established by the board.
(4)Passes any written or manual examination required by the board.
(5)Pays the fees established by the board.
Proposed law requires the State Plumbing Board to assist the Bd. of Supervisors of
Community and Technical Colleges in developing training, program and course
requirements that will prepare individuals to meet the qualifications established by the board
for a tradesman plumber limited license.
Present law creates the state plumbing board to consist of eight members as follows:
(1)One registered engineer.
(2)One plumbing inspector.
(3)Three master plumbers.
(4)Three journeyman plumbers.
Proposed law retains present law and adds one tradesman plumber to the board's
membership to increase the membership of the board from eight to nine members.
Present law authorizes the plumbing board to fix and charge reasonable examination,
licensing, and renewal fees for journeyman and master plumbers. RDCSB421 3264 4792
Proposed law retains present law and further authorizes the plumbing board to establish such
fees for tradesman plumbers and to establish a reasonable registration fee for apprentice
plumbers.
Effective August 1, 2016.
(Amends R.S. 37:1361(B) and (E), 1366(A), 1367(A), 1368(A), 1371(A), 1373(A), 1377(B),
and 1378(A)(3),(6), and (8); adds R.S. 37:1366(J) and (K))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Commerce to the
engrossed bill:
1. Make technical changes.