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SB 2738

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PLUMBERS, IRRIGATORS, AND WATER SYSTEM INSTALLERS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Bissaillon and 3 co-sponsors

The bill updates licensing, scope of practice, and consumer protections for plumbers, irrigators, and water system installers in Rhode Island to improve safety and accountability.

05/06/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 2738

Summary of SB 2738 (Rhode Island) – 2026

Title

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS — PLUMBERS, IRRIGATORS, AND WATER SYSTEM INSTALLERS

Purpose and Intent

SB 2738 is designed to regulate and update the professional standards, licensing, and practice requirements for individuals and firms engaged in plumbing, irrigation, and water system installation within Rhode Island. The bill aims to clarify scope of practice, update regulatory oversight, and strengthen consumer protections related to water systems and related trades.

Key Provisions and Changes (Provisions described generally, pending full text)

  • Licensing and Certification Requirements

    • Establishes or adjusts licensing prerequisites for plumbers, irrigators, and water system installers.
    • May specify qualifications, exam requirements, continuing education, and renewal timelines.
    • Possible creation or modification of licensing boards or regulatory authority overseeing these trades.

  • Scope of Practice

    • Defines the activities that fall under the categories of plumbing, irrigation, and water system installation.
    • Clarifies prohibitions on performing work without proper licensure.
    • Addresses authorization to perform certain types of installations, inspections, or repairs.

  • Contracting and Work Standards

    • Sets requirements for contract disclosures, warranties, and consumer protections.
    • May impose standards for project documentation, permits, and inspections.
    • Potentially adds penalties for noncompliance (e.g., fines, license suspension).

  • Practitioner and Firm Conduct

    • Introduces or augments codes of conduct, business practices, and ethical obligations for licensees and firms.
    • Could address advertising, misrepresentation, and professional conduct.

  • Enforcement and Compliance

    • Outlines enforcement mechanisms, complaint processes, and disciplinary procedures.
    • Specifies penalties for violations, which may include fines, probation, license suspension or revocation.

  • Fees and Administrative Details

    • May adjust or establish licensing or renewal fees, penalties, and funding for the regulatory program.
    • Could set timelines for implementing new requirements.

  • Safety, Public Health, and Consumer Protection

    • Emphasizes safe water systems, sanitation, and prevention of unsafe installations.
    • May require adherence to specific building and plumbing codes or state standards.

Note: The exact text of the bill would provide precise language, definitions, and numerical thresholds (such as fee amounts, specific license levels, and renewal cycles). The summary above captures the typical areas such bills address and the likely directions based on the title and committee references.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Licensed and Unlicensed Practitioners

    • Plumbers, irrigators, and water system installers who perform work in Rhode Island, including contractors and individuals seeking licensure.

  • Businesses and Firms

    • Contractors and companies employing or contracting with licensed professionals in plumbing, irrigation, or water system installation.

  • Consumers and Property Owners

    • Individuals and entities relying on water system installations, repairs, and related services.

  • Regulatory Bodies

    • Rhode Island licensing boards or departments charged with administering licenses, enforcement, and disciplinary actions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and Referral

    • Introduced on February 27, 2026.
    • Referred to Senate Labor and Gaming (as of Feb 27, 2026).

  • Hearing/Consideration

    • Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration on May 6, 2026 (as indicated by the May 1, 2026 action history).

  • Next Steps

    • If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee review, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Rhode Island Senate.
    • Upon passage in one chamber, concurrence by the House would be required, followed by potential governor action.

Potential Impact Considerations

  • Improved consumer protections and accountability for water-related installations.
  • Clearer licensing standards could affect the availability of licensed workers and timelines for project approvals.
  • Possible changes in licensing fees and administrative funding to support regulatory activities.
  • Enhancements to safety and public health through standardized practices and codes compliance.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the bill’s exact text or specific definitions once they’re available, and provide a more detailed line-by-line breakdown of provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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