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Bill

A 3899

"General Contractor Licensing Act;" provides for regulation of general contractors and general contracting businesses.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 4 co-sponsors

Creates a state board to license, regulate, and oversee general contractors in NJ, with exams, ongoing education, and public license disclosure.

Passed by the Assembly (63-14-0)
0
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Bill Summary · A 3899

Overview

A 3899 (Session 222, New Jersey) proposes the creation of the New Jersey State Board of General Contractors within the Division of Consumer Affairs. The bill would require licensure of general contractors and general contracting businesses, establish licensure standards, exams, renewal cycles, and continuing education, and create a framework for enforcement and record-keeping.

Primary purpose and intent

  • Establish a formal regulatory framework for the general contracting profession in New Jersey.
  • Require licensure for individuals or businesses engaged in general contracting activities classified under trades 006, 007, 008, or 009 by the Division of Property Management and Construction.
  • Ensure qualified practitioners meet standardized education, training, and examination requirements to protect the public and ensure professional standards at job sites.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creation of the New Jersey State Board of General Contractors:
    • Within the Division of Consumer Affairs, the board will have nine members (six practicing general contractors with at least 10 years’ experience, two public members, and one executive-branch representative).
    • Terms and composition rules for initial and subsequent appointees, including term lengths and limits on consecutive terms.
  • Licensure authority and responsibilities:
    • The board will establish licensure standards, review qualifications, supervise examinations, issue and renew licenses, and suspend or revoke licenses as permitted by law.
    • The board will set examination fees and other licensure-related charges, maintain a public license registry, and publish licensee names and addresses annually.
    • The board will adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Eligibility for licensure:
    • Minimum age: 18.
    • Education/experience options:
    • Option A: An accredited degree in construction or project management (minimum 60 credits in construction), plus two years of field experience under supervision of a general contractor or licensed general contractor.
    • Option B: An apprenticeship in a building/construction trade (accredited/approved) plus four years of field experience under supervision of a general contractor or licensed general contractor.
    • Successful passage of an examination determined or approved by the board.
  • Examination details:
    • Exams to be held in-state at least twice yearly, with potential internet-based administration.
    • Board may contract for facilities and may publish a study guide to aid preparation.
  • Licensure duration and fees:
    • Licenses issued for a three-year period.
    • Renewal requires a renewal application and payment of a board-regulated fee.
    • Fees are to be set by regulation and must be sufficient to cover proper expenses (not to raise net revenue).
    • Continuing education requirements will be established by the board as a condition of renewal.
  • Short- and long-term exemptions:
    • Exemptions for individuals with 10 years of general contracting experience prior to enactment who meet integrity conditions (no bankruptcy, no deceptive business name changes).
    • Exemptions for individuals already licensed/certified/registered in closely allied professions (including commercial general contracting).
    • An alternative pre-enactment pathway allows individuals with three years of pre-enactment field experience supervised by an experienced general contractor to qualify for licensure upon passing the required exam.
  • At-work disclosure:
    • Licensees must display their license at the work site where general contracting services are performed.
  • Effective date:
    • The act would take effect 240 days after enactment.

Who is affected

  • General contractors and general contracting businesses operating in New Jersey (and those seeking to begin operations) are directly impacted, as licensure becomes mandatory.
  • Individuals seeking licensure will need to meet education/experience paths and pass the board’s exam.
  • Existing professionals with qualifying experience or licenses in allied professions may receive exemptions.
  • The public, as users of contracting services, would benefit from standardized credentialing and disclosure requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Schedule:
    • Examinations must be offered in-state at least twice annually; internet options may be added.
    • Licenses renewed every three years.
  • Regulatory process:
    • The board can set and adjust fees by regulation.
    • The board will promulgate continuing education requirements and course content via regulation.
    • The board is empowered to adopt rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • Enactment: If enacted, provisions become effective 240 days after enactment.

Commentary

  • The bill aims to elevate professional standards in general contracting, safeguarding consumers through credentialing, ongoing education, and transparent licensing.
  • Provisions include a mix of new-entrant requirements and practical exemptions for experienced practitioners and allied professionals to ensure a balanced regulatory approach.
  • Public posting of licenses and annual licensee lists increase transparency and accountability.

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

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