Modifying provisions applicable to individuals licensed by the plumbing and mechanical systems board, providing for state inspections of certain plumbing and mechanical system installations, and making penalties applicable

This bill modifies provisions in Code chapter 105, which provides for the licensure and regulation of plumbers, mechanical professionals, and contractors by the plumbing and mechanical systems board. Current law provides that in order to be licensed by the board as an apprentice, a person shall file an application that establishes that the person meets the minimum requirements adopted by the board. The bill provides that such minimum requirements to be established in an application include the receipt of a high school diploma or its equivalent. Current law provides that in order to be licensed by the board as a journeyperson, a person shall provide evidence of completing at least four years of practical experience as an apprentice through an apprenticeship training program registered by the United States department of labor. The bill provides that such requirement must be evidenced by a certificate of completion from the department of labor.33. The bill provides that state inspection shall not apply to routine maintenance.34 requires the board to establish standards for the certification and decertification of plumbing and mechanical inspectors appointed by the state or a political subdivision to enforce the inspection provisions of the bill.35 establishes procedural requirements for a licensee or property owner making an installation to request an inspection and allows the board to adopt rules providing for the issuance of permits to licensees for multiple inspections, as described in the bill.36 provides that if an inspector determines that an installation is in compliance with the accepted standards of construction for health safety and property safety, based on minimum standards established by the board, the inspector shall approve the installation. If an inspector finds that an inspection or portion thereof is not in compliance with such standards, the inspector shall issue a correction order which orders the licensee or property owner to make the installation comply with the standards and provides a date when a new inspection shall be made. When the installation is brought into compliance, the inspector shall approve the installation.37 provides that nothing in the bill shall be construed to require the work of employees of municipal utilities, railroads, or rural water associations or districts to be inspected while acting within the scope of their employment. The board may by rule exempt specified types of new installations from the state inspection requirements, provided that a political subdivision conducting inspections shall not be prohibited from requiring inspection of such installations.38 provides that state inspection shall not apply within the jurisdiction of any political subdivision which provides inspection services for installations subject to state inspection, as established in a resolution or ordinance adopted by the political subdivision. The political subdivision shall provide a copy of such resolution or ordinance to the board, and such inspections shall be provided pursuant to the current state plumbing code or state mechanical code, as applicable. A political subdivision may require inspections of installations not subject to state inspection, in addition to installations subject to state inspection.38 also includes provisions regarding the discontinuance of inspections by political subdivisions, the suspension or revocation of inspections by political subdivisions, and permit fees established by political subdivisions to pay for inspections.39 establishes certain state inspection procedural requirements, including provisions relating to inspection timing, installation concealment, state inspection procedures and policies, construction plan modification, inspector supervision, and the licensure verification database, as described in the bill.40 requires the board to establish inspection fees, paid to the board at or before the commencement of an inspection and included with the request for inspection. Such fees shall not apply to inspections within political subdivisions which provide for inspections.41 allows any person to file a confidential complaint with the board alleging a violation of the bill or any rule adopted by the board and allows any person aggrieved by an order of an inspector or the board to appeal the order by filing a written notice of appeal with the board within days after the order was served.41 also provides certain procedural requirements for such an appeal, as described in the bill. Pursuant to current law, the board may impose a civil penalty up to $5,000 per offense upon a person who violates the bill, following notice and an opportunity for a hearing.