Oklahoma House Bill HB1078

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Professions and occupations; The Plumbing License Law of 1955; providing qualifications for journeyman plumber examination; effective date.

Impact

By establishing a clearer set of qualifications for the journeyman plumber license, HB1078 is positioned to potentially enhance the overall quality of plumbing services within the state. It addresses the standards for entry into the profession, ensuring that individuals are adequately prepared for the responsibilities involved in plumbing work. The bill is indicative of a broader effort to improve training and safety practices in the industry, which could lead to benefits for both consumers and professionals within the plumbing sector.

Summary

House Bill 1078 aims to amend the Plumbing License Law of 1955 in Oklahoma. It proposes new qualifications for individuals seeking to obtain a journeyman plumber examination. The bill specifically outlines that applicants must be at least eighteen years of age and possess a minimum of eighteen months of experience in the plumbing trade before they can apply for the examination. This amendment is intended to ensure that only those with sufficient practical training and experience can achieve licensure as a journeyman plumber.

Contention

Although the bill appears to have straightforward intentions, discussions surrounding it may raise points of contention regarding the regulatory burden it places on potential apprentices. Some stakeholders may argue that the eighteen-month experience requirement could deter new entrants into the plumbing profession, thereby exacerbating workforce shortages. Evaluating the balance between ensuring high standards and promoting accessibility for new plumbers will be essential in the legislative discussions as the bill progresses through the assembly.