Bill
HB 953
Louisiana bill transfers plumbing licensure to the Contractors Board, creating new licenses and an “equivalent license” path, with enforcement by the Plumbing Contractors Subcommit
HB 953 (Louisiana, 2026) – Summary
Overview
- Purpose: Reorganize the regulation of plumbing licensure by abolishing the State Plumbing Board and transferring its powers, duties, and functions to the Plumbing Contractors Subcommittee of the State Licensing Board for Contractors. Establish concurrent authority for licensing plumbers and plumbing contractors under the State Licensing Board for Contractors, and create new licensure structures and pathways to practice plumbing.
Key Provisions and Changes
- Structural change
- Abolishes the State Plumbing Board.
- Creates the Plumbing Contractors Subcommittee within the State Licensing Board for Contractors.
- Transfers all powers, duties, powers of enforcement, property, revenues, and personnel from the State Plumbing Board to the Plumbing Contractors Subcommittee.
- Licensing framework
- Repeals present-law licensing requirements for plumbers administered by the State Plumbing Board.
- Establishes new licensure categories:
- Apprentice plumber license
- Journeyman plumber license
- Master plumber license
- Master plumbing contractor
- Plumber (general) and residential plumbing contractor
- Allows the State Licensing Board for Contractors to create an “equivalent license” pathway (described below) to permit individuals to engage in plumbing work without the State Plumbing Board’s traditional licenses.
- Equivalent license concept
- Defines “equivalent license” for plumbers issued by the Contractors Board based on:
- Standardized exam on plumbing codes, safety, and installation practices
- Minimum supervised work hours/experience demonstrated by rule
- Defined scope of work
- Compliance with building codes and permitting
- Insurance: workers’ compensation and general liability of $300,000 per policy
- Possible supervision/project limitations per rule
- The alternative pathway may designate a title such as “Certified Plumbing Technician.”
- Eligibility and progression
- A person holding an equivalent license may become licensed as a master plumber if allowed under the new framework.
- Businesses may employ a master plumber licensed under the new system to operate plumbing contracting.
- Fees and enforcement
- Fees for licenses and examinations may be set for licenses under the existing board (State Plumbing Board) but the bill clarifies that these fees may apply to licenses issued under the proposed system for plumbers as well.
- Enforcement: The Plumbing Contractors Subcommittee would have authority to enforce plumbing licensing provisions, including revocation and suspension of licenses, and to issue fines for violations. Fines collected for plumbing violations may be redirected to the Louisiana Community and Technical College System for plumbing training programs.
- Temporary licensing
- Current temporary working permits from out-of-state plumbers are repealed. The Subcommittee would have authority to create temporary working permits by rule.
- Miscellaneous
- Amends definitions for: contractor, plumbing contractor, apprentice, journeyman, master plumber, master plumbing contractor, plumber, residential plumbing contractor.
- Provides for rulemaking authority to implement the new licensing structure, including classifications and continuing education requirements.
- Provides multiple effective dates for implementation.
Who Is Affected
- Plumbers and plumbing businesses in Louisiana
- Individuals seeking plumbing licensure (apprentice, journeyman, master)
- Contractors and contractor licensing administration (State Licensing Board for Contractors)
- Public enforcement and disciplinary processes for plumbing work
- Revenue streams and training programs (potential transfer to the Community and Technical College System)
Timeline and Process
- The bill outlines phased implementation with multiple effective dates to transition from the State Plumbing Board to the Plumbing Contractors Subcommittee and to establish the equivalent license pathway.
- The amendment process includes technical changes, definitional updates, and the creation of new subcommittee authority and rulemaking.
Notes
- The House amendments replace the concurrent licensing model with a full transfer of authority to the State Licensing Board for Contractors.
- The bill includes provisions to preserve certain protections and to ensure a pathway for current license holders to be recognized as equivalent under the new system.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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