Pennsylvania 2017-2018 Regular Session Status: In Committee

SB 183 — An Act providing for plumbing contractors licensure; establishing the State Board of Plumbing Contractors and providing for its powers and duties; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; establishing fees, fines and civil penalties; establishing the Plumbing Contractors Licensure Account; and making an appropriation.

Last action — Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2017-2018 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

630 added · 636 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Bill SB 183 has removed specific language that defined the types of plumbing professionals, such as master plumbers and journeyman plumbers. This change means the bill now focuses more broadly on plumbing services without getting into specific titles, which could streamline the licensing process and make it easier for a wider range of plumbers to participate. This matters because it may help increase the number of qualified professionals in the plumbing industry, ultimately improving service availability and quality for consumers.

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PRIOR PRINTER'S NO.
PRINTER'S NO.
173 PRINTER'S NO.
173 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
915 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
183 2017 INTRODUCED BY McGARRIGLE, JANUARY 25, 2017 REFERRED TO LABOR AND INDUSTRY, JANUARY 25, 2017 AN ACT Providing for plumbing contractors licensure;
183 2017 INTRODUCED BY McGARRIGLE, YUDICHAK AND BROWNE, JANUARY 25, 2017 SENATOR WARD, LABOR AND INDUSTRY, AS AMENDED, JUNE 6, 2017 AN ACT Providing for plumbing contractors licensure;
"Apprentice plumber." An individual who is registered as an apprentice under the act of July 14, 1961 (P.L.604, No.304), known as The Apprenticeship and Training Act, and who is 20170SB0183PN0915 - 2 - licensed by the State Board of Plumbing Contractors as an individual whose principle occupation is learning and assisting in the performance of plumbing services.
"Apprentice plumber." An individual who is registered as an apprentice under the act of July 14, 1961 (P.L.604, No.304), known as The Apprenticeship and Training Act, and who is 20170SB0183PN0173 - 2 - licensed by the State Board of Plumbing Contractors as an individual whose principle occupation is learning and assisting in the performance of plumbing services.
20170SB0183PN0915 - 3 - (3) Six professional members.
20170SB0183PN0173 - 3 - (3) Six professional members.
If a member dies or resigns or is 20170SB0183PN0915 - 4 - otherwise disqualified during the term of office, a successor shall be appointed in the same way and with the same qualifications and shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term.
If a member dies or resigns or is 20170SB0183PN0173 - 4 - otherwise disqualified during the term of office, a successor shall be appointed in the same way and with the same qualifications and shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term.
(j) Forfeiture.--A professional or public member who fails 20170SB0183PN0915 - 5 - to attend three consecutive meetings shall forfeit the member's seat unless the Secretary of Labor and Industry, upon written request from the member, finds that the member should be excused from a meeting because of illness or the death of a family member.
(j) Forfeiture.--A professional or public member who fails 20170SB0183PN0173 - 5 - to attend three consecutive meetings shall forfeit the member's seat unless the Secretary of Labor and Industry, upon written request from the member, finds that the member should be excused from a meeting because of illness or the death of a family member.
WHO HOLD THEMSELVES OUT AS MASTER <-- PLUMBERS, JOURNEYMAN PLUMBERS, APPRENTICE PLUMBERS OR LICENSED PLUMBING CONTRACTORS.
(6) To promulgate and enforce regulations, not 20170SB0183PN0915 - 6 - inconsistent with this act, as necessary only to carry into effect the provisions of this act.
(6) To promulgate and enforce regulations, not inconsistent with this act, as necessary only to carry into effect the provisions of this act.
This paragraph includes the setting of fees.
This paragraph includes 20170SB0183PN0173 - 6 - the setting of fees.
(11) To submit annually to the Appropriations Committee 20170SB0183PN0915 - 7 - of the Senate and the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, 15 days after the Governor has submitted a budget to the General Assembly, a copy of the budget request for the upcoming fiscal year that the board previously submitted to the department.
(11) To submit annually to the Appropriations Committee of the Senate and the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives, 15 days after the Governor has submitted 20170SB0183PN0173 - 7 - a budget to the General Assembly, a copy of the budget request for the upcoming fiscal year that the board previously submitted to the department.
(c) Title.--An individual who holds a license as a master plumber or is maintained on inactive status under section 505(b) shall have the right to use the title "licensed plumbing 20170SB0183PN0915 - 8 - contractor" and the abbreviation "L.P.C." No other individual shall use the title "licensed plumbing contractor" or the abbreviation "L.P.C." (d) Responsibility.--A licensed plumbing contractor shall assume full responsibility to ensure conformance with safety standards and applicable plumbing codes, including plumbing codes for first and second class counties as provided under the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act.
(c) Title.--An individual who holds a license as a master plumber or is maintained on inactive status under section 505(b) shall have the right to use the title "licensed plumbing contractor" and the abbreviation "L.P.C." No other individual shall use the title "licensed plumbing contractor" or the 20170SB0183PN0173 - 8 - abbreviation "L.P.C." (d) Responsibility.--A licensed plumbing contractor shall assume full responsibility to ensure conformance with safety standards and applicable plumbing codes, including plumbing codes for first and second class counties as provided under the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act.
20170SB0183PN0915 - 9 - (4) Pass the examination provided by the board.
(4) Pass the examination provided by the board.
(5) Provide a current certificate of liability insurance in the amount of $500,000.
(5) Provide a current certificate of liability insurance 20170SB0183PN0173 - 9 - in the amount of $500,000.
IF THE APPLICANT IS AN EMPLOYEE OF <-- A MASTER PLUMBER OR A LICENSED PLUMBING CONTRACTOR WHO MAINTAINS THE REQUIRED LEVEL OF LIABILITY INSURANCE, THE APPLICANT IS NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE.
(c) Additional requirement.--In addition to passing the examination set forth in subsection (a)(4) or (b)(5), an individual applying for licensure as a master plumber or a journeyman plumber who provides or will provide plumbing 20170SB0183PN0915 - 10 - services in either a first class county or a second class county must pass an examination on the plumbing code of the first class county or the second class county, as appropriate.
(c) Additional requirement.--In addition to passing the examination set forth in subsection (a)(4) or (b)(5), an individual applying for licensure as a master plumber or a journeyman plumber who provides or will provide plumbing services in either a first class county or a second class county must pass an examination on the plumbing code of the first class county or the second class county, as appropriate.
(1) Be at least 16 years of age.
20170SB0183PN0173 - 10 - (1) Be at least 16 years of age.
(f) Waiver of examination.--Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a)(4) and (b)(5), the board shall grant a license to an individual applying to become either a master 20170SB0183PN0915 - 11 - plumber or a journeyman plumber without examination if the individual meets all of the following requirements:
(f) Waiver of examination.--Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a)(4) and (b)(5), the board shall grant a license to an individual applying to become either a master plumber or a journeyman plumber without examination if the individual meets all of the following requirements:
(3) For an individual applying for a license as a master plumber under this subsection, the individual submits proof satisfactory to the board of any of the following:
20170SB0183PN0173 - 11 - (3) For an individual applying for a license as a master plumber under this subsection, the individual submits proof satisfactory to the board of any of the following:
(ii) Successful completion of a test administered by 20170SB0183PN0915 - 12 - the respective county of the first or second class or a county or city of the third class, as appropriate to working as a licensee in those specific counties or cities.
(ii) Successful completion of a test administered by the respective county of the first or second class or a county or city of the third class, as appropriate to working as a licensee in those specific counties or cities.
(g) Convictions prohibited.--The board may not issue a license to an individual who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless all of the following have occurred:
(g) Convictions prohibited.--The board may not issue a license to an individual who has been convicted of a felonious 20170SB0183PN0173 - 12 - act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless all of the following have occurred:
<-- (1) At least five years have elapsed from the date of conviction.
(1) At least five years have elapsed from the date of conviction.
20170SB0183PN0915 - 13 - Regulations shall include any fees necessary for the board to carry out its responsibilities under this section.
Regulations shall include any fees necessary for the board to carry out its responsibilities under this section.
The board may waive all or part of the continuing education requirement for a master plumber or a journeyman plumber who shows evidence satisfactory to the board that the individual was unable to complete the requirement due to illness, emergency, military service or other hardship.
The board may waive all or part of the continuing education requirement for a master plumber or a journeyman plumber who shows evidence satisfactory to the board that the individual was unable to complete the requirement due to illness, emergency, military 20170SB0183PN0173 - 13 - service or other hardship.
(4) The individual provides evidence satisfactory to the board that the individual has passed an examination in 20170SB0183PN0915 - 14 - another jurisdiction demonstrating knowledge of a plumbing code.
(4) The individual provides evidence satisfactory to the board that the individual has passed an examination in another jurisdiction demonstrating knowledge of a plumbing code.
(b) Requirement.--For an individual to be eligible to apply for a license as a master plumber or a journeyman plumber under subsection (a), the other state, territory or possession of the United States must provide an opportunity for reciprocal licensure that is substantially similar to the opportunity provided by the Commonwealth under this section.
(b) Requirement.--For an individual to be eligible to apply for a license as a master plumber or a journeyman plumber under subsection (a), the other state, territory or possession of the United States must provide an opportunity for reciprocal 20170SB0183PN0173 - 14 - licensure that is substantially similar to the opportunity provided by the Commonwealth under this section.
Upon receipt of an application, the individual shall be maintained on inactive 20170SB0183PN0915 - 15 - status without fee and shall be entitled to apply for a licensure renewal at any time.
Upon receipt of an application, the individual shall be maintained on inactive status without fee and shall be entitled to apply for a licensure renewal at any time.
In the case of an apprentice plumber who is placed on inactive status under section 502(e), the apprentice plumber shall provide evidence to the board of renewal of registration before the board may activate the license.
In the case of 20170SB0183PN0173 - 15 - an apprentice plumber who is placed on inactive status under section 502(e), the apprentice plumber shall provide evidence to the board of renewal of registration before the board may activate the license.
This act shall not prohibit the installation, modification or replacement of propane-related systems or appliances by the owner, principal or employee of a propane distributor if the propane distributor is registered with the department under the act of June 19, 2002 (P.L.421, No.61), known as the Propane and 20170SB0183PN0915 - 16 - Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act, and with the Attorney General under the act of October 17, 2008 (P.L.1645, No.132), known as the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.
This act shall not prohibit the installation, modification or replacement of propane-related systems or appliances by the owner, principal or employee of a propane distributor if the propane distributor is registered with the department under the act of June 19, 2002 (P.L.421, No.61), known as the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act, and with the Attorney General under the act of October 17, 2008 (P.L.1645, No.132), known as the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act.
(a) Fees.--All fees required under this act shall be fixed by the board by regulation and shall be subject to the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act.
20170SB0183PN0173 - 16 - (a) Fees.--All fees required under this act shall be fixed by the board by regulation and shall be subject to the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act.
(d) Renewal fee.--The board may charge a fee, as set by the 20170SB0183PN0915 - 17 - board by regulation, for licensure, for renewing licensure and for other administrative actions by the board as permitted by this act or by regulation.
(d) Renewal fee.--The board may charge a fee, as set by the board by regulation, for licensure, for renewing licensure and for other administrative actions by the board as permitted by this act or by regulation.
(a) Criminal penalty.--An individual or the responsible officers or employees of a corporation, partnership, firm or other entity violating a provision of this act or a regulation of the board commits a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more than six months for the first violation.
(a) Criminal penalty.--An individual or the responsible officers or employees of a corporation, partnership, firm or 20170SB0183PN0173 - 17 - other entity violating a provision of this act or a regulation of the board commits a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment for not more than six months for the first violation.
(c) Procedure.--The board shall levy the civil penalty set 20170SB0183PN0915 - 18 - forth in subsection (b) only after affording the accused the opportunity for a hearing as provided in 2 Pa.C.S.
(c) Procedure.--The board shall levy the civil penalty set forth in subsection (b) only after affording the accused the opportunity for a hearing as provided in 2 Pa.C.S.
(1) The licensee is or has been negligent or incompetent in the performance of plumbing services.
20170SB0183PN0173 - 18 - (1) The licensee is or has been negligent or incompetent in the performance of plumbing services.
20170SB0183PN0915 - 19 - (i) the performance of plumbing services;
(i) the performance of plumbing services;
(5) The board shall not issue a license to an individual who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or another state, territory or country unless:
(5) The board shall not issue a license to an individual who has been convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or 20170SB0183PN0173 - 19 - convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or another state, territory or country unless:
(7) With respect to a master plumber, the master plumber failed to properly direct and supervise a journeyman plumber 20170SB0183PN0915 - 20 - or apprentice plumber.
(7) With respect to a master plumber, the master plumber failed to properly direct and supervise a journeyman plumber or apprentice plumber.
(8) The licensee falsely advertised or made misleading, deceptive, untrue or fraudulent material representations regarding licensure or in the performance of plumbing services.
(8) The licensee falsely advertised or made misleading, deceptive, untrue or fraudulent material representations regarding licensure or in the performance of plumbing 20170SB0183PN0173 - 20 - services.
(relating to 20170SB0183PN0915 - 21 - administrative law and procedure).
(relating to administrative law and procedure).
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(a) General rule.--A license issued under this act may be temporarily suspended under circumstances determined by the board to be an immediate and clear danger to public health or safety or property.
20170SB0183PN0173 - 21 - (a) General rule.--A license issued under this act may be temporarily suspended under circumstances determined by the board to be an immediate and clear danger to public health or safety or property.
20170SB0183PN0915 - 22 - (b) Commitment of licensee.--A license issued under this act shall automatically be suspended upon the legal commitment of a licensee to an institution because of mental incompetency from any cause upon filing with the board a certified copy of the commitment, conviction of a felony under the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or conviction of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction, that, if committed in this Commonwealth, would be a felony under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.
(b) Commitment of licensee.--A license issued under this act shall automatically be suspended upon the legal commitment of a licensee to an institution because of mental incompetency from any cause upon filing with the board a certified copy of the commitment, conviction of a felony under the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, 20170SB0183PN0173 - 22 - Device and Cosmetic Act, or conviction of an offense under the laws of another jurisdiction, that, if committed in this Commonwealth, would be a felony under The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act.
Whenever, in the judgment of the board, a person has engaged in an act or practice that constitutes or will constitute a violation of this act, the board or its agents may make 20170SB0183PN0915 - 23 - application to the appropriate court for an order enjoining the act or practice.
Whenever, in the judgment of the board, a person has engaged in an act or practice that constitutes or will constitute a violation of this act, the board or its agents may make application to the appropriate court for an order enjoining the act or practice.
The remedy by injunction is in addition to any other civil or criminal penalty.
The remedy by injunction is in addition to any other civil or criminal 20170SB0183PN0173 - 23 - penalty.
20170SB0183PN0915 - 24 - CHAPTER 9 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Section 901.
CHAPTER 9 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Section 901.
(a) Municipal licenses not required and exceptions.-- Licensure under this act shall be acceptable to a municipality or public entity in this Commonwealth, except as to a county of the first or second class, as proof of competence to perform plumbing services, and no municipality, other than a county of the first or second class, may require an individual licensed under this act to obtain an additional license to perform plumbing services.
(a) Municipal licenses not required and exceptions.-- Licensure under this act shall be acceptable to a municipality or public entity in this Commonwealth, except as to a county of 20170SB0183PN0173 - 24 - the first or second class, as proof of competence to perform plumbing services, and no municipality, other than a county of the first or second class, may require an individual licensed under this act to obtain an additional license to perform plumbing services.
Nothing in this act authorizes the board or a municipality to adopt a standard or 20170SB0183PN0915 - 25 - regulation of propane, propane distributors or installation of propane-related systems or appliances which differs or conflicts with sections 15 and 16 of the act of June 19, 2002 (P.L.421, No.61), known as the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act.
Nothing in this act authorizes the board or a municipality to adopt a standard or regulation of propane, propane distributors or installation of propane-related systems or appliances which differs or conflicts with sections 15 and 16 of the act of June 19, 2002 (P.L.421, No.61), known as the Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act.
The sum of $85,000, or as much of that amount as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated to the department for the payment of costs associated with processing and renewing licenses, for the operation of the board and for other costs associated with this act.
The sum of $85,000, or as much of that amount as may be 20170SB0183PN0173 - 25 - necessary, is hereby appropriated to the department for the payment of costs associated with processing and renewing licenses, for the operation of the board and for other costs associated with this act.
20170SB0183PN0915 - 26 -
20170SB0183PN0173 - 26 -
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Action History

  1. Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS

  2. Second consideration

  3. First consideration

  4. PN 0915 Reported as amended

  5. PN 0173 Referred to LABOR AND INDUSTRY

Sponsors

  • Mcgarrigle · Primary
  • Browne · Cosponsor

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 251 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Mcgarrigle

Co-sponsors (1)

  • Browne

Not signed on (251)

251 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Committee vote (LABOR AND INDUSTRY): Reported as Amended

Passed 11 Yea · 0 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 8001
Republican 2000
Democratic 1000
Total 11001
% of votes cast 92%0%0%8%
How each member voted (12)
Member Party Vote
FOLMER — Yea
LEACH — Yea
MCILHINNEY — Yea
SABATINA — Yea
WAGNER — Yea
YUDICHAK — Yea
WARD — Yea
SCARNATI — Yea
DISANTO — Not Voting
Christine M. Tartaglione Democratic Yea
Daniel Laughlin Republican Yea
Elder A. Vogel Republican Yea

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Subjects

labor
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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 183?
SB 183 is sponsored by Mcgarrigle and Browne.
What is the current status of SB 183?
This bill died with 2017-2018 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track SB 183?
Track SB 183 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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