RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 516 (SB 421) 2016 Regular Session Thompson
Prior law provided relative to the qualifications, training requirements, and licensure of
plumbers. Further provided for three classifications of plumbers: (1) apprentice plumber; (2)
journeyman plumber; and (3) master plumber.
New law retains prior 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 (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.
New 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.
New law requires the Board, not later than January 1, 2017, create and maintain a registry
of all apprentice plumbers employed in the state. Further requires that the Board issue a
certificate to all registrants.
New law requires that the Board 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 4,000 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.
New law requires the 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.
Prior law created 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.
New law retains these provisions and adds one tradesman plumber to the Board's
membership to increase the membership of the Board from eight to nine members.
Prior law authorized the plumbing Board to fix and charge reasonable examination,
licensing, and renewal fees for journeyman and master plumbers.
New law retains these provisions but 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))