Harrisburg, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, heard testimony today to establish a plumber licensing board within the Department of Labor and Industry in Pennsylvania.
Gibbons, a member of the House Professional Licensure Committee, said the legislation (H.B. 1357) would protect consumers from unscrupulous plumbers.
“I am concerned for the welfare of my constituents, especially senior citizens in Pennsylvania who could be swindled out of their hard-earned money for a household service that wasn’t performed properly because the state doesn’t have a board to hold accountable licensed plumbers in the state,” Gibbons said
In Pennsylvania, the plumber must be generally licensed even if working for a licensed plumbing contractor. Currently, plumbing license requirements are set by the city or county and not the state. The proposed state licensure board would allow the Commonwealth to engage in a reciprocity agreement with neighboring states that require state licenses.
“The agreement with other states would also expand the ability of Pennsylvania plumbers get work in neighboring states,” Gibbons said.
The Department of Labor and Industry has no jurisdiction over records concerning municipalities that have established license or certification requirements.
Gibbons said some of Pennsylvania’s municipalities have established local licensure or certification requirements for contractors or construction trades people. In addition, journeyman and master plumbers generally need a license, but apprentices do not need a license.
The legislation would establish a board consisting of the state Secretary of Labor and Industry, two public members and six professional members to be appointed by the governor.
The bill remains in the House Professional Licensure Committee under review.
Gibbons represents the 10th Legislative District.
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