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HB 2029

To allow individual employees of out of state businesses to perform plumbing in West Virginia without an individual license as the employee is working under supervision of the licensed employer/business

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Butler

House Bill 2029 allows out-of-state plumbing employees to work in West Virginia without individual licenses, boosting service availability and competition under licensed supervision.

To House Government Organization
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Bill Summary · HB 2029

Summary of House Bill 2029

Bill Number: HB 2029
Title: To allow individual employees of out-of-state businesses to perform plumbing in West Virginia without an individual license as the employee is working under the supervision of the licensed employer/business
Status: To House Government Organization
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Professions and Occupations

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2029 aims to amend existing plumbing licensing regulations in West Virginia. The primary intent of the bill is to allow employees of out-of-state plumbing businesses to perform plumbing work in West Virginia without needing an individual plumbing license, provided they are working under the supervision of a licensed employer or business operating within the state.

Key Provisions

  • Amendment to Licensing Requirements: The bill proposes an amendment to §21-14-3 of the Code of West Virginia, which currently mandates that individuals performing plumbing work must hold a valid license issued by the Commissioner of Labor.

  • Supervised Work by Out-of-State Employees: The proposed legislation allows individual employees of out-of-state plumbing businesses to work in West Virginia without a personal license, as long as they are supervised by their employer, who must be licensed in West Virginia.

  • Exemptions: The bill maintains existing exemptions for certain categories of plumbing work, such as work performed by individuals on their own property or by employees of specific industries (e.g., manufacturing plants, public utilities).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Out-of-State Plumbing Businesses: This bill primarily benefits out-of-state plumbing companies looking to operate in West Virginia, as it simplifies the process for their employees to engage in plumbing work without the need for individual licensing.

  • Licensed Employers in West Virginia: Licensed plumbing businesses in West Virginia may find it easier to manage projects that require additional labor without the administrative burden of licensing each out-of-state employee.

  • Consumers and Property Owners: Homeowners and businesses in West Virginia may benefit from a broader pool of available plumbing services, potentially leading to more competitive pricing and quicker service.

Procedural Aspects and Timeline

  • Introduced on January 29, 2025: The bill was filed with the Clerk of the House and referred to the Committee on Government Organization.

  • Legislative Actions: The bill has undergone various readings and committee reviews, with significant actions including:

    • February 4, 2025: First reading and referral to the Rules Committee.
    • March 12, 2025: Passed with amendments by the Executive Committee.
    • March 27, 2025: Scheduled for a second reading and short debate.

  • Expected Outcomes: If passed, the bill would allow for immediate implementation, facilitating the employment of out-of-state plumbers under the specified conditions.

Conclusion

House Bill 2029 represents a significant change in West Virginia's plumbing licensing framework, aiming to enhance the flexibility of labor in the plumbing sector while ensuring that work is conducted under the supervision of licensed professionals. This legislative change could have a positive impact on the availability of plumbing services in the state.

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

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