Texas House Bill HB1758

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/23/09
• Voted on by House: 3/31/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/14/09
• Governor Action: 5/27/09
• Enrolled: 5/18/09
• Passed: 5/27/09

Caption

Relating to the requirements for a plumber's apprentice to obtain a plumber's license.

Impact

The adjustments stipulated in HB1758 are poised to impact state laws related to plumbing regulations by streamlining the licensing process for apprentices. Notably, the bill gives the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners the authority to credit apprentices with up to 1,000 hours of work experience, provided they complete a United States Department of Labor-approved training program. This provision is expected to ease the transition for apprentices into licensed status, which may help address labor shortages in the plumbing industry while promoting enhanced standards of training and public safety.

Summary

House Bill 1758 focuses on modifying the requirements that a plumber's apprentice must fulfill in order to obtain a plumber's license in Texas. The bill specifically amends Section 1301.354 of the Occupations Code to allow apprentices to qualify for examinations leading to either journeyman plumber licenses or tradesman plumber-limited licenses, contingent upon the completion of specific classroom training programs designed to enhance their knowledge of plumbing laws, health and safety protocols, and water conservation techniques. The introduced parameters aim to ensure that apprentices are better equipped before entering the field as licensed professionals.

Contention

While the bill seeks to modernize and facilitate the path to licensure for plumbing apprentices, possible points of contention may arise regarding the adequacy of classroom training versus practical experience. Critics may argue that allowing apprentices to qualify for licenses without completing mandated classroom training could compromise their readiness and safety on the job. Additionally, the flexibility introduced by allowing apprentices already enrolled in approved programs to bypass certain requirements may be seen as diminishing the rigor of training standards, raising concerns about the potential implications for public health and safety in plumbing practices.