SB 326 — CONTRACTORS: Provides relative to the State Licensing Board for Contractors. (8/1/26) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

(15) "Manufactured home" and "manufactured housing" means a factory-built residential dwelling unit constructed to standards and codes, as promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD),underDevelopment(HUD),undertheNationalManufacturedHousing theNationalManufacturedHousing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C.

(13)(16) "Mechanical contractor" means any person who undertakes to, attempts to, or submits a price or bid or offers to construct, supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, perform, or in any manner assume charge of the construction, alteration,repair,improvement,movement,demolition,puttingup,tearingdown,or furnishing labor, or furnishing labor together with material and equipment, or installingthesamefortheconstruction,installation,maintenance,testing,andrepair of air conditioning, refrigeration, heating systems, and plumbing for all residential, commercial, and industrial applications as well as ventilation systems, mechanical work controls, boilers and other pressure vessels, steam and hot water systems and piping, gas piping and fuel storage, and chilled waterand condensingwatersystems and piping, including but not limited to any type of industrial process piping and related valves, fittings, and components, for which the project value is ten thousand Page 5 of 2621 Coding:

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 installingthesamefortheconstruction,installation,maintenance,testing,andrepairENROLLED of air conditioning, refrigeration, heating systems, and plumbing for all residential, commercial, and industrial applications as well as ventilation systems, mechanical work controls, boilers and other pressure vessels, steam and hot water systems and piping, gas piping and fuel storage, and chilled waterand condensingwatersystems and piping, including but not limited to any type of industrial process piping and related valves, fittings, and components, for which the project value is ten thousand dollars or more.

(17)(17)"Megaproject"meansacommercialconstructionprojectforwhich "Modularthe home"project andvalue "modularis housing"five meanshundred amillion factory-builtdollars residentialdwellingor unitmore, builttotheInternationalResidentialor Codeasa adoptedbroadband byproject administered in accordance with the LouisianaBroadband StateEquity, UniformAccess, Constructionand CodeDeployment(BEAD)ProgramissuedbytheNationalTelecommunicationsand Council.Information Administration of the United States Department of Commerce.

(14)(18)(18) "Mold"Modular remediationhome" contractor"and means"modular anyhousing" personmeans whoa engagesfactory-built inresidentialdwellingunit removal,cleaning,sanitizing,demolition,orothertreatment,includingpreventativebuilt activities,ofmoldormold-contaminatedmatterthatwasnotpurposelygrownatthattotheInternational locationResidential forCodeasadopted whichby the projectLouisiana valueState isUniform sevenConstruction thousandCode fiveCouncil. hundred dollars or more.

Moldremediationapplies(14)(19) onlyto"Mold theregulationremediation ofmold-relatedactivitiesthataffectcontractor" indoormeans airany qualityandperson doeswho notengages applytoin routineremoval,cleaning,sanitizing,demolition,orothertreatment,includingpreventative cleaningwhenactivities,ofmoldormold-contaminatedmatterthatwasnotpurposelygrownatthat notlocation conducted for which the purposeproject ofvalue mold-relatedis activitiesseven intendedthousand tofive affecthundred indoordollars airor quality.more.

(15)(19)Moldremediationappliesonlytotheregulation "Person"ofmold-relatedactivitiesthataffect meansindoor anyair individual,qualityand firm,does partnership,not association,applyto cooperative,routine corporation,cleaning limitedwhen liabilitynot company,conducted limitedfor liabilitythe partnership,purpose orof anymold-related otheractivities entityintended recognizedto byaffect Louisianaindoor law;air quality.

(15)(20) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, association, cooperative, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or any other entity recognized by Louisiana law;

or any state Pageor 6local ofgoverning 26authority Coding:or political subdivision.

(16)(21) "Plumbing contractor" means any person who installs, maintains, and repairs potable andnonpotabletapwateror sewersystems within for a building Page 6 of 21 Coding:

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 orENROLLED localstructureorresidentialstructure,includingservicelines,forwhichtheprojectvalue governingis authorityten orthousand politicaldollars subdivision.or more.

(16)(20)(17)(22) "Plumbing"Principal" contractor" means anyan personowner, whoshareholder, installs,or maintains,an andrepairspotableofficer andor nonpotabledirector tapof waterora sewersystemscorporation; within forabuilding structureorresidentialstructure,includingservicelines,forwhichtheprojectvalue is ten thousand dollars or more.

(17)(21) "Principal" means an owner, shareholder, or an officer or director of a corporation;

(18)(22)(18)(23) "Qualifying party" means a natural person designated by the contractor to represent the contractor for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this Chapter including but not limited to meeting the requirements for the initial license and any continuation thereof.

(19)(23)(a)"Residentialcontractor"meansanypersonwhoconstructsafixed(19)(24)(a)"Residentialcontractor"meansanypersonwhoconstructsafixed building or structure for sale or use by another as a residence or who, for a price, commission,fee,wage,orothercompensation,undertakesorofferstoundertakethe constructionorsuperintendingoftheconstructionofanyresidentialstructurewhich is not more than three floors in height, to be used by another as a residence, for which the project value is fifty thousand dollars or more.

(ii) Any person performing the installation of a modular home with a value equal to or greater than fifty thousand dollars for which the total project value shall not include the cost of the component parts of the modular home in the condition Pageeach 7part ofleaves 26the Coding:factorypursuant to R.S.

40:1730.71.

(c)"Residentialcontractor"doesnot include anyperson engagedin building residential structures that are built to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's construction standards for manufactured housing as outlined Page 7 of 21 Coding:

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 eachENROLLED partat leaves42 theU.S.C. factorypursuant to R.S.

40:1730.71.

(c)"Residential contractor"doesnot includeanypersonengagedin building residential structures that are built to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's construction standards for manufactured housing as outlined at 42 U.S.C.

(20)(24)(20)(25) "Residential roofing" means the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, furnishing labor, or furnishing labor together with materials or equipment, or the installation of materials or equipment for any phase of roofing specific to a residential structure for which the project value is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more.

(21)(25)(21)(26) "Residential roofing contractor"means anyperson who undertakes to, attempts to, or submits a price or bid, or offers to construct, supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, perform, or in any manner assume charge of a residentialroofingprojectforwhichtheprojectvalueisseventhousandfivehundred dollars or more.

(22)(26)(22)(27) "Residential structure" means a building or structure that is used primarily for occupancy by a person as a residence.

(23)(27)"Subcontract"meansanagreementtoperformaportionofthescope(23)(28)"Subcontract"meansanagreementtoperformaportionofthescope of work contained in the principal contract including the entire cost of labor and materials of that part of the principal contract which is performed by the Pagesubcontractor. 8 of 26 Coding:

(24)(29)(a)"Subcontractor"meansapersonwhocontractstoperformascope of work that is a part of the scope of work contained in the principal contract.

(b) "Subcontractor" does not include any person, supplier, or manufacturer whoassembles,repairs,maintains, moves, puts up, tears down, or disassembles any Page 8 of 21 Coding:

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 subcontractor.ENROLLED patentedorproprietaryequipmentsuppliedbysuchpersontoacontractorto beused solely by the contractor for a construction undertaking.

(24)(28)(a)"Subcontractor"meansapersonwhocontractstoperformascope of work that is a part of the scope of work contained in the principal contract.

(b) "Subcontractor" does not include any person, supplier, or manufacturer who assembles,repairs,maintains, moves, puts up, tears down, or disassembles any patentedorproprietaryequipmentsuppliedbysuchpersonto acontractorto beused solely by the contractor for a construction undertaking.

At least a majorityofmajority of the regular monthly meetings of the board each year shall be held in Baton Rouge.

However, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the residential subcommittee shall not approve for use by licensees any continuing education courses or written training programs provided by a member of the board or a memberoftheresidentialsubcommitteeorlegalentityin whichhehasacontrolling Pageinterest. 9 of 26 Coding:

* * * (6)(a) If the board receivesa complaint that is based on a license or rule violation, no proceeding may be instituted after five years from the date of the act or omission.

This period may be interrupted by the filing of procedural motions or suspended as provided in this Paragraph.

Page 9 of 21 Coding:

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 interest.ENROLLED (b) The time period provided in this Paragraph shall be suspended duringthependencyofalegalactioninvolvingthelicenseeasapartyorwitness if the complaint arises from the same facts giving rise to the legal action or arises from the licensee's activities in the legal action.

* * * (6)(a) If the board receives a complaint that is based on a license or rule violation, no proceeding may be instituted after five years from the date of the act or omission.

This period may be interrupted by the filing of procedural motions or suspended as provided in this Paragraph.

(b) The time period provided in this Paragraph shall be suspended duringthependencyofalegalactioninvolvingthelicenseeasapartyorwitness if the complaint arises from the same facts giving rise to the legal action or arises from the licensee's activities in the legal action.

The provisions of this Paragraph shall not limit the special counsel to only mattersofadisciplinaryproceedingprovidedtheboard'sgeneralcounselshallmattersofadisciplinary proceedingprovidedtheboard'sgeneralcounselshall not prosecute cases.

(a) An applicant shall first appeal the denial to the board upon written Pagerequest 10at the next regular meeting of 26the Coding:board.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 request at the next regular meeting of the board.

* * * (3)AnyandallfundscollectedpursuanttothisSubsectionshallbedisbursedPage to10 the accredited public university or community college schools of construction21 managementCoding: or construction technology by October first of each year upon completion of the annual audit of the board, less a two percent administrative fee to be retained by the board.

The funds shall be used by the accredited public universityorcommunitycollegeschoolsofconstructionmanagementorconstruction technologysolelyfor the benefit of their program and the expenditure of such funds shall be approved by the industry advisory council or board for the program.

The funds collected pursuant to this Subsection shall be in addition to anyother monies received by such schools and are intended to supplement and not replace, displace, or supplant any other funds received from the state or from any other source.

Any school of construction management or construction technology that experiences a decrease in the funding appropriated to them by the accredited public university or community college as determined by the industry advisory council or board for the programshallbe ineligible for participation undertheprovisions ofthis Subsection, and the monies from the fund for such school of construction management or construction technology shall be redistributed on a pro rata basis to all other accredited and eligible schools.

* * * M.Nolicenseshall beissuedtoanydomesticorforeignentityrequiredtobe registered with the secretary of state which does not hold a certificate of authority to do business in this state and is in good standing.

Page 11 of 26 Coding:

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 N.ENROLLED (3)AnyandallfundscollectedpursuanttothisSubsectionshallbedisbursed to the accredited public university or community college schools of construction management or construction technology by October first of each year upon completion of the annual audit of the board, less a two percent administrative fee to be retained by the board.

ExceptThe forthelicenses,funds fees,shall andbe assessmentsused authorizedby bythisthe Chapter,accredited andexceptfortheoccupationallicensetaxesauthorizedbytheconstitutionpublic andlawsuniversityorcommunitycollegeschoolsofconstructionmanagementorconstruction oftechnologysolelyfor thisthe state,benefit andof excepttheir forprogram permit fees charged by parishes and municipalitiesthe forexpenditure inspectionof purposes,such andfunds exceptforlicensesrequiredbyparishesshall andbe municipalitiesapproved forby the purposeindustry ofadvisory determiningcouncil the competency of mechanical, electrical, or plumbingcontractors,orboth,andelectricalcontractors,nocontractorshallbeliableboard for any fee or license as a condition of engaging in the contractingprogram. business.

The funds collected pursuant to this Subsection shall be in addition to any other monies received by such schools and are intended to supplement and not replace, displace, or supplant any other funds received from the state or from any other source.

Any school of construction management or construction technology that experiences a decrease in the funding appropriated to them by the accredited public university or community college as determined by the industry advisory council or board for the program shall be ineligible forparticipationundertheprovisions ofthis Subsection, and the monies from the fund for such school of construction management or construction technology shall be redistributed on a pro rata basis to all other accredited and eligible schools.

* * * M.

No licenseshall beissuedtoanydomesticorforeignentityrequiredto be registered with the secretary of state which does not hold a certificate of authority to do business in this state and is in good standing.

N.

Except for the licenses,fees,and assessments authorized bythis Chapter, andexceptfortheoccupationallicensetaxesauthorizedbytheconstitutionandlaws of this state, and except for permit fees charged by parishes and municipalities for inspectionpurposes,andexcept for licenses requiredbyparishesandmunicipalities for the purpose of determining the competency of mechanical, electrical, or plumbingcontractors,orboth,andelectricalcontractors,nocontractorshallbeliable for any fee or license as a condition of engaging in the contracting business.

Requirements for issuance of a license *Page *11 * B.(1) An applicant and aqualifying party for a license or registration shall be a United States citizen or legal resident of the21 UnitedCoding: States.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED * * * B.(1)An applicant and a qualifying party for a license orregistration shall be a United States citizen or legal resident of the United States.

TheTheprovisionsof provisionsthis Subsectionshallnotbeconstruedtointerfereorlimitthe jurisdiction and oversight of thisthe Subsectionlegislative shallauditor notor tothe beinspector construedgeneral toE.(1) interfereAn orapplicant limitfor thelicensure jurisdictionshall anddesignate oversighta ofqualifying theparty Louisianafor Legislativeeach Auditorclassification orand for the PageLouisiana 12business ofand 26law Coding:requirement.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 Louisiana State Inspector General.

E.(1) An applicant for licensure shall designate a qualifying party for each classification and for the Louisiana business and law requirement.

* * * E.F.(1)Residentialconstructionanditssubclassifications,moldremediation, andhomeimprovementapplicantsshallberequiredtosubmitcertificatesevidencing workers'Page compensation12 coverage in compliance with Title 23 of the21 LouisianaCoding: Revised Statutes of 1950, and liability insurance in a minimum amount of one five hundred thousand dollars or liability protection provided by a liability trust fund as authorized byR.S.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED workers' compensation coverage in compliance with Title 23 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and liability insurance in a minimum amount of one five hundred thousand dollars or liability protection provided by a liability trust fund as authorized byR.S.

(5)F.(1)G.(1) CoverageNotwithstanding shallany beother forprovision aof minimumlaw ofto sixthe monthscontrary, andany shallresidential includehome allimprovement scopesor ofmold workremediation licensee in good standing with the board for whichnot theyless arethan licensed.one consecutive year may apply to transfer the license to an inactive status.

F.(1)G.(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any residential home improvement or mold remediation licensee in good standing with the board for not less than one consecutive year mayapply to transfer the license to Page 13 of 26 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 an inactive status.

G.H.Page 13 of 21 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED G.H.

H.(1)I.(1)Mechanical,plumbing,andelectricalcontractorslicensedpursuant to the provisions of this Section are excluded from local, municipal, or parish regulatoryregulatoryauthority authority examination procedures and maybidmay bid and perform work within any local jurisdiction upon paying all appropriate fees.

I.(1)J.(1) Any plumbing contractor who currently holds a Master Plumber LicensefromtheStatePlumbingBoardofLouisianashallLicensefromtheStatePlumbingBoardofLouisianashallbeexemptfromanytrade beexemptfromanytradeexamination Pagerequirement. 14 of 26 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 examination requirement.

*Page *14 *of §2156.4.21 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED * * * §2156.4.

For purposes of residential roofing only, any structure or building used as a residence and containing no more than four separate dwelling units withasinglestructureshallbeconsideredaresidentialroofingprojectandshallwithin a single structure shall be considered a residential roofing project and shall be subject to the same licensure requirements.

* * * Page(17) 15Any ofperson 26performing Coding:work as a subcontractor for a residential construction license holder, except for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, mold remediation, water wells, asbestos, or hazardous materials scopes of work.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 (17) Any person performing work as a subcontractor for a residential construction license holder, except for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, mold remediation, water wells, asbestos, or hazardous materials scopes of work.

The board and residential subcommitteePage may15 revoke,of suspend,21 orCoding: refuse to renew a license;

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED subcommittee may revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a license;

Page* 16* of* 26C. Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 * * * C.

Upon request by the aggrieved party for a stay of enforcementoreffectoftheboard'sorderpendingreview,theaggrievedparty's request for stay shall be set by the court for hearing with no less than ten days priorPage written16 noticeof to21 theCoding: board or the attorney representing the board.

AfterWords hearingwhich theare requeststruck forstay,through theare courtdeletions shallfrom determineexisting whethertolaw; stay the final order or decision of the board pending review of the appeal.

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED prior written notice to the board or the attorney representing the board.

After hearing the request for stay, the court shall determine whether to staythe final order or decision of the board pending review of the appeal.

* * * Page§2159.1. 17 of 26 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 §2159.1.

(3)Providinganinsuredwithanagreementauthorizingremediation,repairs, or construction without prior to and without first providing a good faith estimate oftheitemizedanddetailedcostsofservicesandmaterialsforremediation,repairs,Page or17 constructionof to21 beCoding: undertaken pursuant to a an insured propertydamage claim.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED oftheitemizedanddetailedcostsofservicesandmaterialsforremediation,repairs, or construction to be undertaken pursuant to a an insured propertydamage claim.

(6)Acceptinga(6)Acceptingafee,commission, fee,commission,or orothervaluableconsideration,regardlessother Pagevaluable 18consideration, regardless of 26form Coding:or amount, in exchange for a referral by the person or company to an attorney or law firm.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 of form or amount, in exchange for a referral by the person or company to an attorney or law firm.

ForthepurposesofthisForthepurposes Section,"assignmentof agreement"this meansSection,"assignmentagreement"meansany any instrument by which post-loss benefits under a residential or commercial property insurance policy, including but not limited to any right of action against the insurer or any proceeds acquired from the insurer, are assigned, transferred, or otherwise acquired, in whole or in part, to or from a person providingservices,includingbutnotlimitedtoinspecting,protecting,repairing, restoring,orreplacingthepropertyormitigatingagainstfurtherdamagetothe property.

(2)Page The18 provisions of Paragraph21 (1)Coding: of this Subsection shall not apply to any of the following:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED (2) The provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection shall not apply to any of the following:

The provisions of Civil Code Article 2652 shall not apply to this PageSection. 19 of 26 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 Section.

civil subpoenas The board's papers, documents, reports, or evidence related to the subjectsubjectof of an investigation in accordancewith this Chapter shall notnotbesubject be subject todisclosureuntilthecompletionoftheinvestigation.Suchpapers,documents, reports, or evidence relative to the subject of an investigation in accordance with this Chapter shall not be subject to subpoena until the investigation has concluded and any violations have been adjudicated at a hearing before the board, unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines the agency and the personwhoisthesubjectoftheinvestigationwouldnotbenecessarilyhindered by such subpoena.

Nothing in this Section shallbeconstruedtointerferewithorlimitthejurisdictionandoversightofthe LouisianaPage Legislative19 Auditorof or21 theCoding: Louisiana State Inspector General.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED legislative auditor or the inspector general.

AnyAnyperson person who violates anyprovision of this Chapter shall, after notice and a hearing, be liable to the board for a fine of up to ten percent of the total contract or the value of the work bid or being performed for which there is a violation.

In Pagedetermining 20the amount of 26the Coding:administrative penaltycosts, the board or residential subcommittee shall consider the efforts expended by the board's staff in investigating and prosecuting the violation, the circumstances and seriousness of the violation, cooperation on the part of the contractor, and the history of previous violations.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 determining the amount of the administrative penaltycosts, the board or residential subcommittee shall consider the efforts expended by the board's staff in investigating and prosecuting the violation, the circumstancesand seriousness of the violation, cooperation on the part of the contractor, and the history of previous violations.

All fines or penalties, except for a four percent administrative fee, collectedbytheboardpursuanttotheprovisionscollectedbytheboardpursuantto ofthistheprovisions SectionforviolationsofanyofthisSectionforviolationsofany provision of this Chapter shall, annually, at each audit of the board, be transferred to a separate contractor's educational trust fund to be used for educational purposes as determined by the trustees of the fund.

Such correspondence shallPage be20 considered received upon receipt of an21 emailCoding: delivery confirmation by the board.

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SB NO.

326 ENROLLED shall be considered received upon receipt of an email delivery confirmation by the board.

ThePRESIDENT originalOF instrumentTHE andSENATE theSPEAKER followingOF digest,THE whichHOUSE constitutesOF noREPRESENTATIVES partGOVERNOR ofOF theTHE legislativeSTATE instrument,OF wereLOUISIANA preparedAPPROVED: by Senate Legislative Services.

ThePage keyword,21 summary, and digest do not constitute part of the21 lawCoding: or proof or indicia of legislative intent.

[R.S.

1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] DIGEST SB 326 Reengrossed 2026 Regular Session Abraham Present law provides relative to the State Licensing Board for Contractors (board) and the regulation of contractors.

Page 21 of 26 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 Present law establishes time limitations for professional and occupational boards and commissions to initiate disciplinary proceedings and exempts specified boards and professions from these provisions.

ProposedlawretainspresentlawandaddstheStateLicensingBoardforContractorsandthe State Uniform Construction Code Commission to the list of entities exempt from the time limitations on disciplinary proceedings.

Present law provides for definitions.

Proposedlawretainspresentlawanddefinestheterms"commercialconstruction","dwelling unit", "manufactured home" and "manufactured housing", and "modular home" and "modular housing".

Present law provides that board meetings shall be subject to the Open Meetings Law and allows the board to hold meetings outside of Baton Rouge at a location within the state, in apublic buildingandopentothepublic.Atleastamajorityoftheregularmonthlymeetings of the board each year shall be held in Baton Rouge.

Proposed law retains present law, except removes the ability to have meetings outside of Baton Rouge and provides that all meetings of the board shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

Present law provides for powers and duties of the residential subcommittee, approving any continuing education courses or written training programs for use by licensees that are provided bya member of the residential subcommittee or legal entity in which the member has a controlling interest.

Proposed law retains present law and further prohibits approving any continuing education courses or written training programs for use by licensees that are provided by a board member.

Proposedlawestablishesafive-yearlimitation periodfordisciplinaryproceedingsbasedon a license or rule violation, authorizes emergency action and summary suspension when necessary to protect public health, safety, or welfare, and requires the board to utilize a special counsel and, at its discretion, special hearing officers to conduct and prosecute disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, while prohibiting the board’s general counsel from prosecuting cases.

Present law require licenses to be issued by the board upon application and satisfaction of all requirements, and prohibits applications from any state or local governmental entity or any entity owned or controlled by any state or local governing body.

Proposed law retains present law and provides that a failure to meet licensure requirements results in denial of the application and establishes an appeal process that requires the applicant to first appeal to the board at its next regular meeting, and thereafter permitting appeal of the board's final decision, within 30 days of receiving final notice or order from the board, to the 19th Judicial District Court.

Present law requires that certain funds collected from license renewal fees, be distributed annuallyto accredited public universityor communitycollege construction management or construction technology programs after completion of the boards annual audit.

Proposed law retains present law, except allows the board to retain 2% of the funds as an administrative fee.

Present law prohibits a contractor from paying any additional fees or obtaining any additional license, except for licenses, fees, assessments, occupational license taxes, local Page 22 of 26 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 inspection permit fees,and certainparish or municipal competencylicenses for mechanical or plumbing contractors.

Proposed law retains present law and adds electrical contractors to the exemption.

Present law requires an applicant for a contractor's license or registration to submit a financial statement on a form supplied by the board, dated within 12 months of the application, prepared and signed by an accountant, bookkeeper, or certified public accountant,orinlieuthereofacurrentfinancialstatementpreparedbyacertifiedaccountant, and signed by the applicant attesting to its accuracy.

Proposed law retains present law and provides that a qualified party submit a financial statement and requires the applicant and qualified party be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.

Proposed law provides that criminal background information held by the board is confidential and not subject to disclosure, except as necessary for application review.

Provides that the records may be disclosed in administrative proceedings and that final licensingdeterminationsandtheirlegalbasisareconsideredpublicrecords.Furtherprovides that confidentiality provisions in proposed law shall not limit the jurisdiction or oversight of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor or the Louisiana State Inspector General.

Present law requires an applicant for licensure to designate a qualifying party for each classification and for the business law requirement.

Proposedlawretainspresentlawandfurtherrequirestheboardtobenotifiedwithin30days ofthedisassociationfromthequalifyingpartydesignatedintheapplication.Providesforthe designation of a new qualifying party within 60 days.

Presentlawrequiresapplicantsforresidentialconstruction,relatedsubclassifications,mold remediation, and home improvement licenses to prove proof of workers' compensation coverage and at least $100,000 in liability insurance or equivalent liability protection through an authorized liability trust fund.

Proposed law retains present law except increases the amount of liability insurance from $100,000 to $500,000.

Proposed law requires that proof of insurance containing certain information be submitted by the applicant's insurance agent, broker, or insurer.

Provides that the coverage be for a minimum of six months and include all scopes of work for which the applicant is licensed and requires the policy to list the board as a certificate holder.

Present law requires a licensee to provide written notification to the board within 30 days of any criminal, civil, or administrative actions instituted or pending in any jurisdiction against or involving the licensee or anyprincipal of the license.

Proposedlawretainspresentlawandfurtherrequiresanyqualifyingpartytoprovidewritten notification to the board within 30 days of any criminal, civil, or administrative actions.

Proposed law provides that, for purposes of residential roofing, a structure containing no more than four dwelling units is classified as a residential roofing project and is subject to applicable licensure requirements.

Present law exempts persons performing home improvement work and persons licensed as a building construction contractor or residential contractor from home improvement licensure.

Proposed law retains present law exemption for residential contractors and removes Page 23 of 26 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 exemption for building construction contractors from home improvement licensure.

Present law provides that persons performing work as subcontractors for a residential construction license holder are subject to licensure requirements, except for those performing electrical, mechanical, plumbing, mold remediation, asbestos, or hazardous materials work.

Proposed law adds water well work to the list of subcontractor activities exempt from licensurerequirementsandrequiresthatsubcontractorscontractdirectlywiththeresidential license holder.

Present law allows the board and residential subcommittee to revoke, suspend, or refuse to renewalicense,issueceaseanddesistorderstostopwork,issuefinesandpenalties,ordebar any person licensed pursuant to the provision of present law for specific reasons.

Proposed law retains present law and authorizes the board and residential subcommittee to revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a license, issue cease and desist orders to stop work, issue fines and penalties, or debar any person licensed for failing to comply with underground utility damage prevention laws, intentional property damage to induce a contract,failuretopayformaterialsorservicesafterreceivingsufficientfunds,andmaterial misrepresentations in permit applications.

Present law provides that a licensee or qualifying partyapplying for a license or status after the three years shall be ineligible to apply for a license or qualifying party status for three years following a revocation of a license or a qualifying party status.

Present law provides that any aggrieved party may appeal a decision of the board in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

Proposed law provides that any aggrieved party may appeal a final decision or order of the board by filing a petition in the 19th Judicial District Court within 30 days and establishes procedures for requesting and obtaining a stay of the board’s decision pending judicial review.

Proposedlawretainspresentlawandrequiresalicenseeorqualifyingpartytoappearbefore the board for approval of the issuance of a license or status.

Proposed law exempts all documents, records, and investigative material of any applicant or licensee regarding an alleged violation or violations from production under the Public Records Law, except for evidence in an administrative hearing.

Present law prohibits a contractor from entering into an agreement to perform repairs or construction without providing a good faith estimate of itemized and detailed costs of services and materials for repairs undertaken to a property damage claim.

Further provides that contractors are responsible for violations committed by employees or other persons working on the contractor's behalf.

Provides that a contractor is not in violation of present law if the final repair costs differ from the initial estimate due to the insurer's adjustment of the claim.

Proposed law retains present law except prohibits a contractor from entering into an agreementto perform remediation prior to and without first providing a good faith estimate of itemized and detailed costs of services and materials for repairs undertaken to a property damage claim.

Present law prohibits contractors from engaging in certain activities related to property insurance claims, including interpreting insurance policies, acting as or soliciting as public adjusters, failing to provide good faith estimates, sharing legal fees, requiring attorney representation agreements, accepting referral compensation for attorneys, and advertising Page 24 of 26 Coding:

Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 or soliciting insurance-related claim services.

Proposed law retains present law and adds assignment of benefits as a prohibited act and defines "assignment agreement".

Proposed law provides that investigative records,documents, and evidenceof the board are confidentialandnotsubjecttodisclosureorsubpoenauntiltheinvestigationiscompleteand adjudicated, restricts testimony of board personnel regarding ongoing investigations, and clarifies that such provisions do not limit oversight by the legislative auditor or inspector general.

Present law provides that any person who violates present law is subject to a fine of up to percent of the total contract amount or the value of the work involved in the violation.

Allows the board to assess administrative costs and attorneyfees for each offense.

Further, provides that in determining the penalty and costs, the board or residential subcommittee must consider the seriousness of the violation, the contractor's cooperation, and the contractor's prior violation history.

Proposed law retains present law and requires the board or residential subcommittee to consider the staff's investigative and enforcement efforts in determining the penalty and costs.

Further provides that for violations where a value cannot be determined, the board may impose a fine of up to $10,000 per violation and may assess administrative costs and attorney fees.

Present law provides that monetary penalties assessed by the board or residential subcommittee shall be paid within 90 days.

Further provides that failure to pay may result in denial of issuance or renewal of a license or registration and may be subject to lawful collection efforts.

Proposed law retains present law and adds that failure to pay may result in suspension of license.

Present law requires all fines and penalties collected by the board for violations of present law be transferred annually, following the boards audit, to the Construction Educational Trust Fund.

Proposed law retains present law, except allows the board to retain four percent of the fines and penalties collected as an administrative fee.

Proposed law requires licensees to maintain a current email address with the board and providesthatboardcorrespondenceisconsideredreceiveduponemaildeliveryconfirmation.

Effective August 1, 2026.

(Amends R.S.

37:2150.1(3)-(24), 2152(A)(2), 2155(G)(3), 2156(K)(3), (M), and (N), 2156.1(B)(1)and(D)through(J),2156.2(B)(2),2157(A)(15)(b),(17),and(18),2158(C)and (E), 2159.1, and 2164(A), (B), and (I);

adds R.S.

37:21(B)(12) and (13), 2150.1(25)-(28), 2152(A)(3), 2155(G)(6) and (7), 2156(A)(3), 2156.1(K), 2156.4(D), 2158(A)(24)-(27) and (G), 2163.1, and 2164(L);

repeals R.S.

37:2157(A)(19)) Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate Committee Amendments Proposed bySenate Committee on Commerce,Consumer Protection, and International Affairs to the original bill 1.

Excludes the State Licensing Board for Contractors (board) and the State Uniform Construction Code Commission from limitations on disciplinary proceedings.

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Words which are struck through are deletions from existing law;

words in boldface type and underscored are additions.

SLS 26RS-55 REENGROSSED SB NO.

326 2.

Expands the definition of "mechanical contractor", "residential contractor", and "residential roofing".

3.

Requiresallboardmeetings beconductedin accordancewithRobert'sRules of Order.

4.

Establishes a five-year limitation period for initiating disciplinary actions based on license or rule violations.

5.

Authorizes emergency suspensions under certain circumstances.

6.

Requires the board use a special counsel for disciplinaryproceedings.

7.

Establishes an appeal process directly to the board and then to the 19th Judicial District Court.

8.

Makescriminalbackgroundinformationconfidentialandpreserveoversight by the La.

Legislative Auditor and the La.

Inspector General.

9.

Requires insurance polices to list the board as a certificate holder and clarifies that coverage shall last at least six months and include all licensed scope of work.

10.

Provides that residential roofing includes structures used primarily as residences with up to four dwelling units.

11.

Reduces the administration fee the board retains for license renewals from 4% to 2%.

12.

Exempts water well scope of work from licensure under certain situations and clarifies that subcontractors are required to be in direct contract with a residential license holder.

13.

Adds violations subject to disciplinary action.

14.

Establishes a 30-day appeal to the 19th Judicial District Court.

15.

Prohibitsassignmentofbenefitsbypersonsperformingcontractingservices.

16.

Provides for unfair trade practice subject to penalties for soliciting or accepting an assignment agreement.

17.

Makes investigative records confidential and limit subpoeanas during pending investigation.

18.

Adds a $10,000 maximum fine when the violation value cannot be determined.

19.

Makes technical changes.

Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill 1.

Establishes a 30-dayappeal to the 19th Judicial District Court for the denial of an application.

2.

Makes technical changes.

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