Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SB 553: Professions and Businesses; repeal Chapter 14, relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and utility contractors and enact a new Chapter 14

Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action May 11, 2026 · Passed

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Senate Bill 553

By: Senators Hatchett of the 50th, Walker III of the 20th, Cowsert of the 46th, Brass of the 6th, Payne of the 54th and others

AS PASSED

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

To amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to repeal Chapter 14, relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and utility contractors, and enact a new Chapter 14; to provide for the State Construction Industry Licensing Board; to provide for the Division of Electrical Contractors; to provide for the Division of Master Plumbers; to provide for the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors; to provide for the Division of Low Voltage Contractors; to provide for the Division of Utility Contractors; to provide for membership, powers, and duties of each; to provide for licensure or certification within the fields of plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, low voltage, and utility contracting; to provide for application; to provide for requirements for licensure or certification; to provide for recertification; to provide for continuing education; to provide for prohibitions; to provide for exceptions; to provide for reciprocity; to provide for licensing or certification of current or former members of the military; to provide for a misdemeanor; to provide for definitions; to provide for legislative intent; to provide for conformity with federal law; to amend Code Section 48-7-38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to deduction for payments to classified subcontractors, disclosure of tax returns, and maintenance of list of classified subcontractors, so as to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, is amended by adding a new paragraph to subsection (d) of Code Section 43-1-34, relating to licenses for transitioning members of the armed forces, to read as follows: "(5) The provisions of this subsection shall be cumulative to those provided in 50 U.S.C. Section 4025a, and nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted as limiting or imposing additional obligations on portability pursuant to 50 U.S.C. Section 4025a."

SECTION 2.

Said title is further amended by repealing Chapter 14, relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and utility contractors, and enacting a new Chapter 14 to read as follows:

"CHAPTER 14

43-14-1.

This chapter is enacted for the purpose of safeguarding homeowners, other property owners, tenants, and the general public against faulty, inadequate, inefficient, or unsafe electrical, plumbing, low voltage wiring, utility contracting, or conditioned air installations. The practices of electrical contracting, plumbing contracting, low voltage contracting, utility contracting, and conditioned air contracting are declared to be businesses or professions affecting the public interest; and this chapter shall be liberally construed so as to accomplish the purposes stated in this Code section.

43-14-2.

As used in this chapter, the term:

(1) 'Alarm system' means any device or combination of devices used to detect a situation, causing an alarm in the event of a burglary, fire, robbery, medical emergency, or equipment failure, or on the occurrence of any other predetermined life safety event. Such term shall also include any alarm system communication system used or required to transmit notice of a life safety or intrusion event to a local or remote monitoring facility.

(2) 'Board' means the State Construction Industry Licensing Board.

(3) 'Conditioned air contracting' means the installation, repair, or service of conditioned air systems or conditioned air equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, the service to or installation of the electrical circuit from the electrical distribution panel to the conditioned air equipment, provided that the electrical service to the building or site is a single-phase electrical circuit not exceeding 200 amperes performed by conditioned air contractors licensed under this chapter.

(4) 'Conditioned air contractor' means any person engaged in conditioned air contracting under express or implied contract or that bids for, offers to perform, purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform conditioned air contracting services under express or implied contract.

(5) 'Conditioned Air Contractor Class I' means any individual licensed under this chapter to conduct business as a Residential and Light Commercial entity for air conditioning and heat pump systems of 60,000 BTUs of cooling or less, and for gas heating systems of 175,000 BTUs or less. The scope of practice for a Conditioned Air Contractor Class I shall include, but is not limited to, the business of permitting jobs, bidding on projects, and performing maintenance, service, and repairs of equipment and components, as well as installing new equipment and components, including ductwork, refrigerant lines, gas piping, controls, and accessories.

(6) 'Conditioned Air Contractor Class II' means any individual licensed under this chapter to conduct business as a residential and commercial entity, without limitations or restrictions on project size or equipment types, except for the installation of boilers, which is licensed under the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. The scope of practice for a Conditioned Air Contractor Class II shall include, but is not limited to, the design, bidding, permitting, and the performance of maintenance, service, and repairs of equipment and components, as well as the installation of new and replacement systems, including split air conditioning and heat pump systems, package units, variable refrigerant flow systems, chillers, ventilation systems, and all associated components.

(7) 'Conditioned air equipment' means heating and air conditioning equipment covered under state codes and the fuel gas piping system on the outlet side of the gas meter.

(8) 'Electrical contracting' means the installation, maintenance, alteration, or repair of any electrical equipment, apparatus, control system, or electrical wiring device which is attached to or incorporated into any building or structure in this state but shall not include low voltage contracting.

(9) 'Electrical contractor' means any individual licensed under this chapter as Electrical Contractor Class I or Electrical Contractor Class II by the Division of Electrical Contractors, engaged in the business of electrical contracting under express or implied contract or that bids for, offers to perform, purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform electrical contracting services under express or implied contract.

(10) 'Electrical Contractor Class I' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the Division of Electrical Contractors to perform work as an electrical contractor on residential multifamily structures of not more than two levels or single-family dwellings of up to three levels, provided that structures shall have single-phase electrical installations which do not exceed 400 amperes at the service drop or the service lateral.

(11) 'Electrical Contractor Class II' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the Division of Electrical Contractors to perform work as an electrical contractor without restriction, including, but not limited to, the installation of raceway systems, including pull boxes, junction boxes, conduit bodies, service entrances, metering devices, cabinets, switchboards, service risers, and fasteners, overcurrent protective devices, disconnecting means, ground electrodes, main bonding jumpers, ground fault protectors, switches, disconnects, and controls that supply lighting fixtures, appliances, electrical circuits, controls for heating and air conditioning equipment, and other utilization and general use equipment, according to installation requirements set by the state minimum standard codes, the National Electrical Code, and any successor code.

(12) 'Executive director' means the executive director of the State Construction Industry Licensing Board.

(13) 'Full-time experience' means working at least 2,000 hours in a calendar year in a qualifying capacity, with each 2,000 hours of documented work equating to one year of experience for purposes of licensure or qualifications requirements.

(14) 'General low voltage system' means any electrical system, other than an alarm or telecommunications system, that involves low voltage wiring and consists of a group or combination of interconnected components functioning together to perform a specific purpose using low voltage power or signaling, including devices, wiring, control equipment, software, and network connections operating as a single, integrated system.

(15) 'Journeyman plumber' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers who engages in the installation, maintenance, alteration, or repair of piping, fixtures, and appliances, including water heaters, and all appurtenances thereto, in connection with sanitary drainage systems, storm drainage systems, venting systems, fuel gas piping systems on the outlet side of tanks or gas meters, or public or private water supply systems, whether located within or adjacent to any building, structure, conveyance, or manhole under the direction of a plumbing contractor. A journeyman plumber shall have the ability to install or service a single phase of the electrical connection between the electrical disconnect and water heater, plumbing appliance or appurtenance, provided that the work performed adheres to the state minimum standard plumbing code, state minimum electrical code, and state minimum standard fuel gas code.

(16) 'License' means a valid license or certification issued by a division of the board, which authorizes the named person to engage in the activity prescribed thereon.

(17) 'Low voltage contracting' means the installation, alteration, service, or repair of a power limited or signal based system that utilizes low voltage wiring and components to transmit information, control devices, or monitor conditions. Such term shall not include electrical power distribution systems.

(18) 'Low voltage contractor' means any person licensed under this chapter by the Division of Low Voltage Contractors who purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform low voltage contracting services under express or implied contract, including the installation, alteration, servicing, or repair of integrated systems made up of wiring, devices, software, and networked components that function together as a complete solution.

(19) 'Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the Division of Low Voltage Contractors to perform work restricted to alarm systems and general low voltage systems.

(20) 'Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the Division of Low Voltage Contractors to perform work restricted to general low voltage systems.

(21) 'Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the Division of Low Voltage Contractors to perform work restricted to telecommunications systems and general low voltage systems.

(22) 'Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the Division of Low Voltage Contractors to engage in low voltage contracting without limitation as to specialty or system type, and who is authorized to design, install, alter, service, repair, and maintain all low voltage systems, including general low voltage systems, alarm and life-safety systems, and telecommunications systems for voice, data, and network infrastructure, based on demonstrated competence across multiple low voltage disciplines.

(23) 'Low voltage wiring' means wiring systems and associated control circuits which include, but are not limited to:

(A) Wiring systems of 50 volts or less;

(B) Wiring systems having a voltage in excess of 50 volts, provided such systems consist solely of power limited circuits meeting the definition of a Class II and Class III wiring system as defined in Article 725 of the National Electrical Code; or

(C) Line voltage wiring having a voltage not in excess of 300 volts to ground and installed from the load-side terminals of a suitable disconnecting means which has been installed for the specific purpose of supplying the low voltage wiring system involved or installed from a suitable junction box.

(24) 'Master Plumber Class I' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers, who is authorized to perform plumbing work and contract for on residential single-family dwellings, townhomes, and multifamily dwellings, including duplexes, hotels, motels, and apartment buildings, not exceeding three stories in height, and on commercial buildings not exceeding 20,000 square feet in total building area.

(25) 'Master Plumber Class II' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers, who is authorized to perform work and contract for all scopes of plumbing work, without limitation, as defined in the state minimum standard plumbing code and the state minimum standard fuel gas code. Such work shall include, but is not limited to, plumbing work on commercial buildings of any size; industrial facilities; institutional occupancies; multistory structures of any occupancy classification; and specialized use facilities.

(26) 'Plumbing' means:

(A) The practice of installing, maintaining, altering, or repairing piping fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with sanitary drainage or storm drainage facilities, venting systems, medical gas piping systems, natural gas piping systems on the outlet side of gas meters, or public or private water supply systems within or adjacent to any building, structure, conveyance, or manhole; and

(B) The practice of and materials used in installing, maintaining, extending, or altering the natural gas, storm-water, sewerage, and water supply systems of any premises to their connection with any point of public disposal or other acceptable terminal.

(27) 'Plumbing contractor' means any person licensed under this chapter as a Master Plumber Class I or Master Plumber Class II by the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers, who is engaged in the business of plumbing contracting, including bidding for, offering to perform, purporting to have the capacity to perform, or performing plumbing contracting services under an express or implied contract, and who is responsible for obtaining required permits, ensuring compliance with applicable codes, coordinating inspections, performing or correcting work as necessary, and securing final approval of permitted work. Such term shall not include a licensed journeyman plumber.

(28) 'Telecommunications system' means a system of transmission facilities, conductors, equipment, and associated apparatus used to convey voice, data, video, or other information by electromagnetic means, whether wired or wireless, consistent with telecommunications circuits and systems recognized under the state minimum standard codes, including systems capable of local or remote monitoring, management, or administration through secured access.

(29) 'Utility contracting' means undertaking to construct, erect, alter, or repair or have constructed, erected, altered, or repaired any utility system.

(30) 'Utility contractor' means a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation licensed under this chapter by the Division of Utility Contractors which is engaged in utility contracting under express or implied contract or which bids for, offers to perform, purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform utility contracting under express or implied contract.

(31) 'Utility foreman' means any individual certified under this chapter by the Division of Utility Contractors who is employed by a licensed utility contractor to directly supervise a project performing the construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility systems in the field.

(32) 'Utility manager' means any individual certified under this chapter by the Division of Utility Contractors who is employed by a licensed utility contractor to oversee multiple projects performing the construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility systems.

(33) 'Utility system' means:

(A) Any system at least five feet underground, when installed or accessed by trenching, open cut, cut and cover, or other similar construction methods which install or access the system from the ground surface, including, but not limited to, gas distribution systems, electrical distribution systems, communication systems, water supply systems, and sanitary sewerage and drainage systems; and

(B) Reservoirs and filtration plants, water and waste-water treatment plants, leachate collection and treatment systems associated with landfills, and pump stations, when the system distributes or collects a service, product, or commodity for which a fee or price is paid for said service, product, or commodity or for the disposal of said service, product, or commodity.

43-14-3.

(a) There is created within the executive branch of state government the State Construction Industry Licensing Board. The board shall be assigned to the Secretary of State's office for administrative purposes and shall be under the jurisdiction of the division director, in accordance with Code Section 43-1-2.

(b) The board shall be composed of 27 members as follows:

(1) Five members known as the Division of Electrical Contractors, one of whom shall be a professional engineer engaged in electrical practice, another of whom shall have experience as an inspector with electrical inspection duties of a county or municipality or a third-party inspector regularly providing inspections to a county or municipality, and the remaining three of whom shall be licensed electrical contractors in this state;

(2) Five members known as the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers, one of whom shall have experience as an inspector with plumbing inspection duties of a county or municipality or a third-party inspector regularly providing inspections to a county or municipality, three of whom shall be master or contracting plumbers, and one of whom shall be a journeyman plumber;

(3) Five members known as the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors, one of whom shall be a licensed professional engineer engaged in mechanical practice, one of whom shall have experience as an inspector with conditioned air inspection duties of a county or municipality or a third-party inspector regularly providing inspections to a county or municipality, and three of whom shall be conditioned air contractors with more than five years of installation and service experience in the trade;

(4) Five members known as the Division of Low Voltage Contractors, one of whom shall be a Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A, one of whom shall be a Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U, one of whom shall be a Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T, one of whom shall be a professional electrical engineer, and one of whom shall have experience as an inspector with electrical inspection duties of a county or municipality or contracted by a county or municipality to perform electrical inspections;

(5) Five members known as the Division of Utility Contractors, three of whom shall be utility contractors, one of whom shall be a registered professional engineer, and one of whom shall be an insurance company representative engaged primarily in the bonding of construction projects; and

(6) Two members who shall not have any connection with the utility contracting, low voltage contracting, electrical contracting, plumbing, or conditioned air contracting businesses whatsoever but who shall have a recognized interest in consumer affairs and consumer protection concerns.

(c) All members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, for four-year terms. Each member shall serve until a successor has been duly appointed and qualified. Members shall be eligible for reappointment. Vacancies occurring prior to the expiration of a term, for whatever cause, shall be filled by appointment of the Governor for the unexpired portion of the term. Any member who ceases to meet the qualifications required for original appointment during the member's term shall automatically forfeit membership on the board.

(d) Each member of the board shall take an oath of office before the Governor or the Governor's designee to faithfully perform the duties of such office.

(e) The Governor may remove any member for failure to attend meetings, neglect of duty, incompetence, revocation or suspension of professional trade license, or other dishonorable conduct.

(f) Members of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code Section 43-1-2.

43-14-4.

(a) The board chairperson shall be rotated among the five divisions enumerated in Code Section 43-14-3. In the instance of a vacancy by the board chairperson, the members of the board shall select a current member to serve the former board chairperson's unexpired term. The individual selected to fill the vacancy shall be a member of the same division as the previous board chairperson.

(b) The board shall meet at the call of the board chairperson or upon the recommendation of a majority of its members.

(c) Each division within the board shall also elect from its membership a division chairperson who shall serve for a term of two years. Any vacancy in the office of division chairperson shall be filled by one of the members for the unexpired term.

(d) Any member elected division chairperson may serve more than one consecutive term of office.

(e) Each division shall carry out its powers and duties provided for in this chapter with the assistance of the division director and staff of the board.

(f) Each division shall meet at the call of its division chairperson.

(g) Three members of each division shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of such division.

43-14-5.

The board shall have the power to:

(1) Request from the various state departments and other agencies and authorities of the state and its political subdivisions and their agencies and authorities such available information as it may require in its work; and all such agencies and authorities shall furnish such requested available information to the board within a reasonable time;

(2) Provide by regulation for reciprocity with other states in the registration and licensing of electrical contractors, master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, low voltage contractors, utility contractors, or conditioned air contractors and in the certification of utility contracting foremen, provided that such other states have requirements substantially similar to the requirements in force in this state for registration, licensure, and certification; provided, further, that a similar privilege is offered to residents of this state;

(3) Adopt an official seal for its use and modify such seal as the board deems necessary;

(4) Establish rules and regulations, consistent with this chapter, for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the public and for regulating the licensing of electrical contracting, plumbing contracting, low voltage contracting, utility contracting, and conditioned air contracting professionals; and

(5) Upon notice and hearing authorized and conducted in accordance with Code Section 43-14-17 and any rules and regulations promulgated by the board, either by the board directly or through a valid delegation of the board's enforcement power to a division thereof, assess civil penalties in an amount up to $10,000.00 per violation against any person found to be in violation of any requirement of this chapter.

43-14-6.

(a) The Division of Electrical Contractors, with respect to applicants for a license to engage in or licensees engaging in the business of electrical contracting; the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers, with respect to applicants for a license to engage in or licensees engaging in the business of plumbing as a Master Plumber Class I, Master Plumber Class II, or journeyman plumber; the Division of Low Voltage Contractors, with respect to applicants for a license to engage in or licensees engaging in the business of low voltage contracting; the Division of Utility Contractors, with respect to applicants for a license to engage in or licensees engaging in the business of utility contracting and with respect to applicants for a certificate to be a utility manager or utility foreman or holders of a utility manager or utility foreman certificate; and the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors, with respect to applicants for a license to engage in or licensees engaging in the business of conditioned air contracting, shall:

(1) Assess and approve examination requirements for each class or type of license or certificate issued under this chapter, as follows:

(A) The Division of Electrical Contractors shall approve separate examinations for Electrical Contractor Class I and Electrical Contractor Class II;

(B) The Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers shall approve separate examinations for Master Plumber Class I, Master Plumber Class II, and Journeyman Plumbers;

(C) The Division of Conditioned Air Contractors shall approve separate examinations for Conditioned Air Contractor Class I and Conditioned Air Contractor Class II; and

(D) The Division of Low Voltage Contractors shall approve separate examinations for Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A, Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T, Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G, and Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U;

(2) Register and license or grant a certificate and issue renewal licenses and renewal certificates biennially to all persons meeting the qualifications for a license or certificate. The following licenses or certificates shall be issued by the divisions:

(A) Electrical Contractor Class I;

(B) Electrical Contractor Class II;

(D) Master Plumber Class II;

(E) Journeyman Plumber;

(F) Conditioned Air Contractor Class I;

(G) Conditioned Air Contractor Class II;

(H) Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A;

(I) Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T;

(J) Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G;

(K) Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U;

(L) Utility Contractor;

(M) Utility Manager (certificate); and

(N) Utility Foreman (certificate);

(3) Investigate, with the aid of the division director, alleged violations of this chapter or other laws and rules and regulations of the board relating to the profession;

(4) After notice and hearing, have the power to reprimand any person, licensee, or certificate holder, or to suspend, revoke, or cancel the license or certificate of or refuse to grant, renew, or restore a license or certificate to any person, licensee, or certificate holder upon any one of the following grounds:

(A) The commission of any false, fraudulent, or deceitful act or the use of any forged, false, or fraudulent document in connection with the license or certificate requirements of this chapter or the rules and regulations of the board;

(B) Failure at any time to comply with the requirements for a license or certificate under this chapter or the rules and regulations of the board;

(C) Engaging in any fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest conduct in the practice of the profession regulated under this chapter that is likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, including knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in the practice of the profession or on any document connected therewith;

(D) Knowingly aiding, abetting, assisting, or permitting any unlicensed or noncertified person or entity to engage in the practice of the profession regulated under this chapter, including by lending, leasing, renting, assigning, or otherwise allowing the use of one's license, or by combining or conspiring with such person or entity to evade the provisions of this chapter;

(E) Knowingly performing any act which in any way assists an unlicensed or noncertified person to practice such profession;

(F) Violating, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abetting any violation of any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation of the board; or

(G) The performance of any faulty, inadequate, inefficient, or unsafe electrical contracting, plumbing, low voltage contracting, utility contracting, or conditioned air contracting likely to endanger life, health, or property. The performance of any work that does not comply with the standards set by state codes or by local codes in jurisdictions where such codes are adopted, provided that such local codes are as stringent as the state codes, or by other codes or regulations which have been adopted by the board, shall be prima-facie evidence of the faulty, inadequate, inefficient, or unsafe character of such electrical, plumbing, low voltage contracting, utility contracting, or conditioned air contracting; provided, however, that the board, in its sole discretion, for good cause shown and under such conditions as it may prescribe, may restore a license to any person whose license has been suspended or revoked;

(5) Review amendments to or revisions in the state minimum standard codes as prepared pursuant to Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 8; and the Department of Community Affairs shall be required to provide to the division director a copy of any amendment to or revision in the state minimum standard codes at least 45 days prior to the adoption thereof; and

(6) Do all other things necessary and proper to exercise their powers and perform their duties in accordance with this chapter.

(b) The divisions mentioned in subsection (a) of this Code section shall also hear appeals resulting from the suspension of licenses by an approved municipal or county licensing or inspection authority pursuant to Code Section 43-14-16.

43-14-7.

(a) All orders and processes of the board and the divisions of the board shall be signed and attested by the division director; and any notice or legal process necessary to be served upon the board or the divisions may be served upon the division director.

(b) The division director or his or her designee is vested with the power and authority to make such investigations in connection with the enforcement of this chapter and the rules and regulations of the board as the director, the board, the divisions of the board, or any district attorney may deem necessary or advisable.

(c) In accordance with Code Section 43-1-2, the division director shall be authorized to review each application for the issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of a license under this chapter, and upon determining that an application satisfies all of the qualifications, attainments, and other conditions required for the issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of a particular license under this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter, shall be authorized, on behalf of the board, to issue, renew, or reinstate the license of the applicant.

43-14-8.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means the Division of Electrical Contractors.

(b)(1) No person shall engage in electrical contracting unless such person has a valid license issued by the division.

(2) A person that is not licensed as an electrical contractor shall be prohibited from advertising in any manner that such person is in the business or profession of electrical contracting unless the work is performed by a licensed electrical contractor.

(c) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure under this Code section who satisfy the requirements of this Code section.

(d) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to engage in the business of electrical contracting unless there is regularly connected with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons actively engaged in the performance of such business on a full-time basis who have valid licenses issued to them as provided for in this chapter; provided, however, that partners, officers, and employees of any individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements shall continue to be authorized to engage in the business of electrical contracting under a license which was valid at the time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the date of such death. The division may, at its discretion, grant one additional 90 day grace period for such partners, officers, and employees. It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations qualified under this chapter to notify the appropriate division within seven days of the severance of connection with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation of any person or persons upon whom such qualification rested.

(e) Any individual seeking to obtain a license as an Electrical Contractor Class I under the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with division on a form prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:

(1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;

(2) Meet eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:

(A) At least three years of full-time experience in the electrical field as would be covered by the Georgia Electrical Code, the National Electrical Code, or any successor code, which shall mean working experience gained through the direct installation of electrical systems and directly related activities of a type covered by the National Electrical Code or its successor code. To satisfy the experiential requirements for licensure as an Electrical Contractor Class I under this criteria, an applicant shall demonstrate successful completion of electrical projects encompassing not fewer than five of the experience areas described in divisions (i) through (vii) of this subparagraph and shall additionally demonstrate competency in the experience area described in division (viii) of this subparagraph:

(i) Installation of raceway systems, including pull boxes, junction boxes, conduit bodies, and the connections in the system and to cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, and boxes;

(ii) Installation of conductors, including flexible cords, cables, splices, taps, terminations, bonding jumpers, overcurrent protective devices, and metering devices, in cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, boxes, and conduit, which meet all sizing, ampacity, and voltage installation requirements;

(iii) Installation of service entrances, metering devices, cabinets, switchboards, service risers and fasteners, overcurrent protective devices, disconnecting means, ground electrodes, main bonding jumpers, and ground fault protectors, which meet sizing, rating, clearances, and weatherproofing installation requirements;

(iv) Installation of motors and generators with feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent protective devices, disconnect means, and controllers, which meet sizing, rating, usage, and location requirements;

(v) Installation of switches, disconnects, and controls that supply lighting fixtures, appliances, electrical circuits, controls for heating and air conditioning equipment, and other utilization and general use equipment;

(vi) Installation of materials and equipment required for use in special occupancies according to the state minimum standard codes;

(vii) Bonding of interior metal piping systems, installation of properly sized equipment grounding conductors, grounding of exposed noncurrent carrying metal parts of electrical equipment, and protection of grounding conductors from physical damage; and

(viii) Determination of general lighting loads, minimum branch circuits, minimum ampacity of conductors in feeder and branch circuits, maximum allowable conductor fill for raceways, net loads, using specified or optional methods, rates or demand factors, and derating factors given in the state minimum standard codes; and

(B) Completed a two-year academic diploma or certificate program in electrical contracting offered by an accredited technical college, university, or other institution recognized by the division, and has completed two years of full-time experience, which experience shall meet the definition of qualifying experience set forth in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and shall consist of work of a type covered by the state minimum standard codes, or has successfully completed an electrical apprenticeship program accredited or approved by the United States Department of Labor;

(3) Submit a signed affidavit attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements set forth in this subsection. Such affidavit shall be executed by the supervising licensed contractor or, in the alternative, by a licensed architect, professional engineer, or electrical engineer, and shall be made under oath. Where the applicant's qualifying full-time experience was obtained under the supervision of more than one such individual, a separate affidavit shall be submitted from each individual for the period of experience supervised; and

(4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as defined in Code Section 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any required immigration documentation for noncitizen applicants.

(f) Any individual seeking to obtain a license as an Electrical Contractor Class II under the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, shall pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;

(2) Meet one of the following criteria:

(A) At least four years of full-time experience in the electrical field as would be covered by the Georgia Electrical Code, the National Electrical Code, or any successor code of which not less than two years shall have been in the installation, alteration, or repair of three-phase electrical systems, including the following:

(i) Work involving electrical installations exceeding single-phase, 200 amperes, as governed by the National Electrical Code or its successor code;

(ii) Installation of raceway systems, including pull boxes, junction boxes, conduit bodies, and the connections in the system and to cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, and boxes;

(iii) Installation of conductors, including flexible cords, cables, splices, taps, terminations, bonding jumpers, overcurrent protective devices, and metering devices, in cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, boxes, and conduit, which meet all sizing, ampacity, and voltage installation requirements;

(iv) Installation of service entrances, metering devices, cabinets, switchboards, service risers and fasteners, overcurrent protective devices, disconnecting means, ground electrodes, main bonding jumpers, and ground fault protectors which meet all sizing, rating, clearances, and weatherproofing installation requirements;

(v) Installation of motors and generators with feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent protective devices, disconnect means, and controllers, which meet all sizing, rating, usage, and location requirements;

(vi) Installation of switches, disconnects, and controls that supply lighting fixtures, appliances, electrical circuits, controls for heating and air conditioning equipment, and other utilization and general use equipment;

(vii) Installation of materials and equipment required for use in special occupancies according to use and code installation requirements, as defined by the National Electrical Code or its successor code;

(viii) Bonding of interior metal piping systems, installation of properly sized equipment grounding conductors, grounding of exposed noncurrent carrying metal parts of electrical equipment, and protection of grounding conductors from physical damage; and

(ix) Determination of general lighting loads, minimum branch circuits, minimum ampacity of conductors in feeder and branch circuits, maximum allowable conductor fill for raceways, net loads, using specified or optional methods, rates or demand factors, and derating factors given in the state minimum standard codes;

(B) Completed a two-year academic diploma or certificate program in electrical contracting offered by an accredited technical college, university, or other institution recognized by the division, and has completed four years of full-time experience, of which not less than two years shall have been in the installation, alteration, or repair of three-phase electrical systems which experience shall meet the definition of qualifying experience set forth in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and shall consist of work of a type covered by the Georgia Electrical Code, the National Electrical Code, or any successor code; or

(C) Completed an electrical apprenticeship program accredited or approved by the United States Department of Labor and has completed one year of full-time experience in the installation, alteration, or repair of three-phase electrical systems which experience shall meet the definition of qualifying experience set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection and shall consist of work of a type covered by the Georgia Electrical Code, the National Electrical Code, or any successor code;

(g) An application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State for licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check.

(h) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the absence of fraud, be conclusive. All individuals, individuals serving as partners in partnerships, applicants for limited liability companies, or applicants for corporations desiring to engage in electrical contracting shall be licensed under this Code section before engaging in such vocation and business, including at the local level.

(i) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limited to, license denial, suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement action authorized by the division.

43-14-9.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means the Division of Low Voltage Contractors.

(b) No person shall engage in alarm system, general low voltage system, or telecommunications system low voltage contracting unless such person has a valid license issued by the division.

(c) No individual, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall advertise, offer, bid, contract, or perform, for compensation, Low Voltage General (LV-G), Low Voltage Telecommunications (LV-T), Low Voltage Alarm (LV-A), or Low Voltage Unrestricted (LV-U) work in this state unless such individual or entity holds a valid low voltage contractor license issued by the division in the applicable classification.

(d) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to engage in the business of low voltage contracting unless there is regularly connected with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons, actively engaged in the performance of such business on a full-time basis and supervising the low voltage systems installation, repair, alteration, and service work of all employees of such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, who have valid licenses issued to them as provided in this chapter; provided, however, that partners, officers, and employees of any individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements shall continue to be authorized to engage in the business of low voltage contracting under a license which was valid at the time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the date of such death. The division may, at its discretion, upon application by the low voltage contractor showing good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace period.

(e) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure under this Code section who satisfy the requirements of this Code section.

(f) It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations qualified under this chapter to notify the appropriate division within seven days of the severance of connection with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation of any person or persons upon whom such qualification rested.

(g) Partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations having more than one office location from which low voltage contracting is performed shall have at least one person stationed in each branch office of such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation who is engaged in the performance of low voltage contracting on a full-time basis; who is supervising the low voltage wiring systems installation, repair, alteration, and service work of all employees of such branch office locations; and who has a valid license issued as provided in this Code section.

(h) Any individual seeking to obtain a state-wide Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G license under the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:

(1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;

(2) Have completed at least one year of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in general low voltage systems under the direct supervision of a licensed Low Voltage Class LV-U, LV-A, LV-T, or LV-G Contractor or another state equivalent contractor, which experience shall have been obtained within six years immediately preceding the date of application, and which shall include:

(A) The installation, alteration, service, or repair of power limited low voltage electrical systems, including, but not limited to, intercom, public address, and sound systems, residential and commercial low voltage audio systems, low voltage lighting systems, including associated controls, transformers, and power supplies, and other general power limited low voltage wiring systems that do not constitute alarm or telecommunications systems; or

(B) Completion of coursework in electronics or low voltage systems through an accredited technical college, university, or certificate program shall be credited toward the experience requirement for low voltage general (LV-G), based on the actual instructional time completed, up to a maximum of six months;

(3) Submit a signed affidavit from the supervising Low Voltage Class LV-U, LV-A, LV-T, or LV-G contractor(s), attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements set forth in this subsection; and

(i) Any individual seeking to obtain a state-wide Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T license under the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:

(1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;

(2) Have completed a minimum of three years of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring under the direct supervision of a licensed Low Voltage Class LV-U Contractor, a licensed Low Voltage Class LV-T Contractor, another state equivalent contractor, or the general manager of a tier 2 local exchange company, as defined in Code Section 46-5-162, regardless of whether such general manager holds a Low Voltage Class LV-U or LV-T Contractor license, which experience shall have been obtained within six years immediately preceding the date of application and includes:

(A) At least one year of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in general low voltage systems. Qualifying experience under this subsection shall include the installation, alteration, service, or repair of power limited low voltage electrical systems, including, but not limited to:

(i) Intercom, public address, and sound systems;

(ii) Residential and commercial low voltage audio systems;

(iii) Low voltage lighting systems, including associated controls, transformers, and power supplies; and

(iv) Other general power limited low voltage wiring systems that do not constitute alarm or telecommunications systems; or

(B) At least two years of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in telecommunications. Qualifying experience under this subsection may include work involving installation, configuration, testing, administration, management, maintenance, or repair of low voltage telecommunications systems, including, but not limited to, the following:

(i) Telecommunications and communications systems, including voice and data systems such as plain old telephone service, Voice over Internet Protocol, telecommunications equipment connections, terminations, cross-connects, patching, and related infrastructure;

(ii) Audio, video, and security systems, including residential and commercial audio and video systems, video surveillance systems, intercom systems, public address systems, access control systems, and power over ethernet based systems;

(iii) Networked and wireless systems, including residential and commercial Wi-Fi systems, local area or home area network based systems, internet protocol networking equipment such as routers, switches, hubs, and related devices, and distributed antenna systems for voice and data communications; and

(iv) Fiber optic, commercial wireless, and other communications systems, including fiber optic system installation, termination, testing, and management; commercial wireless systems such as cellular and private communications systems, and proprietary, specialized, or otherwise unregulated communications systems within the scope of low voltage work; or

(C) Completion of coursework in electronics or low voltage systems through an accredited technical college, university, or certificate program shall be credited toward the experience requirement for low voltage general (LV-G), based on the actual instructional time completed, up to a maximum of six months;

(3) Submit a signed affidavit from the supervising Low Voltage Class LV-U or LV-T contractor(s), or the general manager of a tier 2 local exchange company, as defined in Code Section 46-5-162, regardless of whether such general manager holds a Low Voltage Class LV-U or LV-T Contractor license, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements set forth in this subsection; and

(j) Any individual seeking to obtain a state-wide Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A license under the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, shall pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;

(2) Have completed a minimum of three years of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring under the direct supervision of a licensed Low Voltage Class LV-U or LV-A Contractor, or another state equivalent contractor, which experience shall have been obtained within six years immediately preceding the date of application and includes:

(A) At least one year of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in general systems. Qualifying experience under this subsection shall include the installation, alteration, service, or repair of power limited low voltage electrical systems, including, but not limited to:

(i) Intercom, public address, and sound systems;

(ii) Residential and commercial low voltage audio systems;

(iii) Low voltage lighting systems, including associated controls, transformers, and power supplies; and

(iv) Other general power limited low voltage wiring systems that do not constitute alarm or telecommunications systems;

(B) At least two years of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in alarm systems. Qualifying experience under this paragraph shall include work involving the installation, configuration, testing, administration, management, maintenance, or repair of the following alarm systems and related technologies:

(i) Life safety alarm systems, including any alarm system designed, intended, or configured to transmit life safety related alarm events to a central monitoring station or other supervising entity;

(ii) Alarm system communication pathways, including the utilization of approved and recognized transmission methods such as analog telephone lines, cellular networks, internet based protocols, Voice over Internet Protocol, or other comparable communication technologies; and

(iii) Alarm system planning and lifecycle activities, including the planning, design, engineering, installation, programming, testing, inspection, servicing, repair, and ongoing maintenance of proprietary or open-source alarm systems; and

(3) Submit a signed affidavit from the supervising Low Voltage Class LV-U or LV-A contractor(s) attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements set forth in this subsection; and

(k) Any individual seeking to obtain a state-wide Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U license under the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, shall pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;

(2) Have completed a minimum of four years of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring under the direct supervision of a licensed Low Voltage Class LV-U Contractor, another state equivalent contractor, or the general manager of a tier 2 local exchange company, as defined in Code Section 46-5-162, regardless of whether such general manager holds a Low Voltage Class LV-U Contractor license, which experience shall have been obtained within six years immediately preceding the date of application, and also includes:

(i) Intercom, public address, and sound systems;

(ii) Residential and commercial low voltage audio systems;

(iii) Low voltage lighting systems, including associated controls, transformers, and power supplies; and

(iv) Other general power limited low voltage wiring systems that do not constitute alarm or telecommunications systems;

(B) At least one year of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in telecommunications. Qualifying experience under this paragraph shall include work involving installation, configuration, testing, administration, management, maintenance, or repair of low voltage telecommunications systems, including, but not limited to, the following:

(iii) Networked and wireless systems, including residential and commercial Wi-Fi systems, local area or home area network based systems, Internet Protocol networking equipment such as routers, switches, hubs, and related devices, and distributed antenna systems for voice and data communications; and

(iv) Fiber optic, commercial wireless, and other communications systems, including fiber optic system installation, termination, testing, and management; commercial wireless systems such as cellular and private communications systems; and proprietary, specialized, or otherwise unregulated communications systems within the scope of low voltage work;

(C) At least two years of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in alarm systems. Qualifying experience under this paragraph shall include work involving the installation, configuration, testing, administration, management, maintenance, or repair of the following alarm systems and related technologies:

(i) Life safety alarm systems, including any alarm system designed, intended, or configured to transmit life safety related alarm events to a central monitoring station or other supervising entity;

(D) Completion of coursework in electronics or low voltage systems through an accredited technical college, university, or certificate program shall be credited toward the experience requirement for low voltage general (LV-G), based on the actual instructional time completed, up to a maximum of six months;

(3) Submit a signed affidavit from the supervising Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U, or the general manager of a tier 2 local exchange company, as defined in Code Section 46-5-162, regardless of whether such general manager holds a Low Voltage Class LV-U Contractor license, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements set forth in this paragraph; and

(l) An application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State for licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check.

(m) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the absence of fraud, be conclusive. All individuals, individuals serving as partners in partnerships, applicants for limited liability companies, or applicants for corporations desiring to engage in the vocation of low voltage contracting shall be licensed under this Code section before engaging in such vocation.

(n) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limited to, license denial, suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement action authorized by the division.

43-14-10.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means the Division of Utility Contractors.

(b)(1) No person shall engage in utility contracting unless such person has a valid license issued by the division.

(2) A person that is not licensed as a utility contractor shall be prohibited from advertising in any manner that such person is in the business or profession of utility contracting unless the work is performed by a licensed electrical contractor.

(c) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure under this Code section who satisfy the requirements in this Code section.

(d) Any utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter shall be authorized to bid for and perform work on any utility system in this state without obtaining a license under Chapter 41 of this title. It shall be unlawful for the owner of a utility system or anyone soliciting work to be performed on a utility system to refuse to allow a utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter to bid for or perform work on a utility system on the basis that such contractor does not hold a license under Chapter 41 of this title.

(e) Any company which holds a valid utility contractor's license shall be qualified to construct, alter, or repair any plumbing system which extends from the property line up to but not within five feet of any building, structure, or conveyance, regardless of the cost or depth of any such plumbing system; provided, however, that only persons who hold a valid license to engage in plumbing under this chapter shall be qualified to construct, alter, or repair any plumbing system within five feet of any building, structure, or conveyance. (f)(1) No sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation shall have the right to engage in the business of utility contracting unless:

(A) Such business holds a utility contractor license; and

(B) There is regularly connected with such business a person or persons who hold a valid utility manager certificate issued under this chapter, and such utility manager must be actively engaged in the performance of such business on a full-time basis and must oversee the utility contracting work of all employees of the business.

(2) If a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation has more than one permanent office, then each permanent office shall be registered with the division and at least one person who holds a valid utility manager certificate issued under this chapter shall be stationed in each office on a full-time basis and shall oversee the utility contracting work of all employees of that office.

(3) The requirements of this Code section shall not prevent any person holding a valid license issued by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, or any division thereof, pursuant to this chapter, from performing any work defined in the Code section or sections under which the license held by said person was issued.

(g) Any corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship desiring to qualify for and be issued a utility contractor license under the provisions of this Code section shall file an application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, pay the application fee established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:

(1) Submit a completed application to the division on the form provided indicating:

(A) The names and addresses of proprietor, partners, or officers of such applicant;

(B) The place and date such partnership was formed, or such corporation was incorporated;

(C) The address of each permanent office location of the business registered with the division, defined under this article as a place of business where utility contracting is undertaken from in terms of bid or proposed acquisition, procurement, utility construction, is not a temporary structure, has permanent utilities installed, and has been in service for a period of more than three years;

(D) The name and certification number of the qualifying utility manager holding a current utility manager certificate issued under this chapter who is employed at each permanent office location of the business from which utility contracting is performed; and

(E) If the applicant operates more than one permanent office location, the name of the qualifying utility manager holding a current utility manager certificate issued under this chapter who is employed on a full-time basis at each permanent office location of the business from which utility contracting is performed; and

(2) Submit a written safety policy that meets the minimum standards established by the board and the United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

(h) An application for licensure under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State for licensure or a permit agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check.

(i) The decision of the division as to the qualifications of applicants shall, in the absence of fraud, be conclusive.

(j) It shall be the duty of the utility manager certificate holders and the licensed utility contractor to notify the division, in accordance with board rules, of the severance of connection between such utility contractor and the utility manager certificate holder or holders upon whom the qualification of the utility contractor rested.

(k) In the event that a licensed utility contractor temporarily does not have employed a utility manager certificate holder to oversee its utility contracting work, upon notice by such utility contractor to the division within seven days following the last day of employment of the utility manager certificate holder, the division shall grant the utility contractor a 90 day grace period in which to employ a utility manager certificate holder to oversee its utility contracting work before any action may be taken by the division to revoke the utility contractor's license. The division may, at its discretion, upon application by the utility contractor showing good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace period. Grace periods totaling not more than 180 days may be granted during any two-year period. Failure to have employed a utility manager certificate holder to oversee the utility contracting work of the utility contractor shall be grounds for the revocation or suspension of the utility contractor license after a notice of hearing.

(l) It shall be unlawful for any person to contract with any other person for the performance of utility contracting work who is known by such person not to have a current, valid license as a utility contractor pursuant to this chapter.

(m) It shall be unlawful for any person to violate the provisions of Chapter 9 of Title 25 applicable to utility contractors.

43-14-11.

(a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means the Division of Utility Contractors.

(b) No person shall be employed as a utility manager unless such person holds a valid utility manager certificate issued by the division.

(c) No utility system shall be constructed, erected, altered, or repaired unless a certified utility manager or certified utility foreman who holds a current certification is present at the job site of such construction, erection, alteration, or repair of the utility system.

(d) The division shall certify all applicants for certification under this Code section who satisfy the requirements of this Code section.

(e) Any individual seeking certification as a utility manager under the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:

(1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;

(2) Submit proof of completion of 12 hours of board approved safety training courses, which shall include eight hours of Competent Person Training for Excavations and four hours of Competent Person Training for Confined Spaces;

(3) Have completed a minimum of three years of full-time experience in the field, performing the construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility systems. Such experience shall be obtained as follows:

(A) At least one year of full-time experience working under the supervision of a utility manager holding a valid certificate issued under this chapter, which experience shall qualify the applicant for certification as a utility foreman; and

(B) At least two additional years of full-time experience obtained while holding a valid utility foreman certificate issued under this chapter;

(4) Submit a signed affidavit from each utility manager who is employed by a utility contractor and who is or was the applicant's current or former employer, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements set forth in this subsection. Qualifying experience under this subsection shall be obtained through a combination of roles, including, but not limited to, supervisory, construction management, or utility operations positions in the field on a utility construction project, as well as:

(A) Participation in the management of multiple utility construction projects, including scheduling work activities; coordinating labor, equipment, and materials; supporting field supervision; tracking productivity; and assisting with resolution of routine onsite issues during the course of the construction project;

(B) Involvement in administering scopes of work or construction contracts; managing risks related to utility conflicts, permitting, inspections, traffic control, and public safety; and ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements and applicable federal, state, and local regulations;

(C) Implementation and enforcement of safety procedures, including excavation, trenching, and confined space entry requirements; participation in safety programs, conducting or participating in daily job safety analyses and safety meetings, reporting incidents, near misses, and hazards; and ensuring proper use of required personal protective equipment;

(D) Supervision or lead responsibility for utility personnel, including training, assigning duties, evaluating performance, monitoring safe operation of equipment, and administering discipline in accordance with established policies;

(E) Assisting with review of construction plans, utility maps, and job specifications; identifying underground and overhead utilities; verifying permits, locates, and clearances; and coordinating activities with project managers, engineers, inspectors, and utility representatives;

(F) Assisting with planning crew assignments, equipment needs, and work schedules; coordinating material delivery and staging; inspecting materials and equipment for damage or irregularities; reporting findings; and participating in the proper use and routine maintenance of heavy equipment;

(G) Participating in the installation of water, sewer, gas, electrical, and telecommunications utility systems installed on a fee-for-service basis, including bedding, backfill, compaction, and erosion and sediment control measures, in accordance with project specifications and utility standards;

(H) Inspecting work for compliance with plans and specifications under supervision; assisting with daily logs, production reports, and as-built documentation; and documenting utility locations and field changes; and

(I) Communicating job site conditions, safety concerns, and work progress to a supervising Utility Foreman or Utility Manager; and

(5) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as defined in Code Section 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, and submit an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, together with any required immigration documentation for noncitizen applicants. 1000 (f) Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and 1001 authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal 1002 background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State for 1003 licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information necessary 1004 to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of 1005 fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance 1006 of such background check.

1007 (g) An applicant may request an oral administration of the examination. 1008 (h) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the 1009 absence of fraud, be conclusive.

1010 (i) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and 1011 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limited to, license denial, 1012 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement 1013 action authorized by the division.

1014 43-14-12.

1015 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means the Division of Utility 1016 Contractors.

1017 (b) No person shall be employed as a utility foreman unless such person holds a valid 1018 current utility foreman certificate issued by the division. 1019 (c) The division shall certify all applicants for certification under this Code section who 1020 satisfy the requirements of this Code section.

1021 (d) No utility system shall be constructed, erected, altered, or repaired unless a certified 1022 utility manager or certified utility foreman who holds a current certification is present at 1023 the job site of such construction, erection, alteration, or repair of the utility system. 1024 (e) Any individual seeking certification as a utility foreman under the provisions of this 1025 chapter shall file an application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, pay 1026 the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet 1027 the following requirements:

1028 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70; 1029 (2) Have completed at least one year of full-time experience in the field performing the 1030 construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility systems under the supervision of a 1031 licensed Utility Manager;

1032 (3) Submit proof of completion of 12 hours of board approved safety training courses, 1033 which shall include eight hours of Competent Person Training for Excavations and four 1034 hours of Competent Person Training for Confined Spaces; and 1035 (4) Provide a signed affidavit by a current or former employer attesting to the completion 1036 of experiential requirements. Each employer who oversaw the completion of projects 1037 which satisfied the experiential requirements shall provide their own signed affidavit. 1038 Qualifying experience under this subsection shall be obtained through a combination of 1039 roles, including, but not limited to, crew member, lead worker, assistant foreman, utility 1040 operations, construction support, or other field based positions, provided the work was 1041 performed under the required supervision, and shall include: 1042 (A) Assisting with review of construction plans, utility maps, and job specifications, 1043 identifying underground and overhead utilities, coordinating activities with project 1044 managers, engineers, inspectors, and utility representatives, verifying permits, locates, 1045 and clearances, and assisting with planning crew assignments, equipment needs, and 1046 work schedules;

1047 (B) Participating in daily job safety analyses and safety meetings, performing work in 1048 compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards and 1049 applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including traffic control requirements, 1050 working in properly protected trenches, participating in confined space entry activities, 1051 using required personal protective equipment, and reporting incidents, near misses, and 1052 hazards;

1053 (C) Assisting with supervision of utility crews, monitoring safe operation of 1054 equipment, supporting productivity tracking and daily work coordination, and assisting 1055 with resolution of routine onsite issues;

1056 (D) Assisting with coordination of material delivery and staging, inspecting materials 1057 and equipment for damage or irregularities and reporting findings, and participating in 1058 the proper use and routine maintenance of heavy equipment; 1059 (E) Participating in the installation of water, sewer, gas, electrical, and 1060 telecommunications utility systems installed on a fee-for-service basis, including 1061 bedding, backfill, compaction, and erosion and sediment control measures, in 1062 accordance with project specifications and utility standards; 1063 (F) Inspecting work for compliance with plans and specifications under supervision, 1064 assisting with daily logs, production reports, as-built documentation, and documenting 1065 utility locations and field changes; and

1066 (G) Communicating job site conditions, safety concerns, and work progress to a 1067 supervising Utility Foreman or Utility Manager.

1068 (f) An application for a certification under this Code section shall constitute express 1069 consent and authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform 1070 a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary 1071 of State for certification agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all 1072 information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, 1073 classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated 1074 with the performance of such background check.

1075 (g) An applicant may request an oral administration of the examination. 1076 (h) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the 1077 absence of fraud, be conclusive.

1078 (i) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and 1079 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limited to, license denial, 1080 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement 1081 action authorized by the division.

1082 43-14-13.

1083 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means the Division of Master Plumbers 1084 and Journeyman.

1085 (b) No person shall engage in plumbing contracting as a Master Plumber Class I or a 1086 Master Plumber Class II unless such person has a valid license issued by the division. 1087 (c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who holds a valid 1088 license as a Master Plumber Class I or a Master Plumber Class II or any company which 1089 holds a valid utility contractor license shall be qualified to construct, alter, or repair any 1090 plumbing system which extends from the property line up to but not within five feet of any 1091 building, structure, or conveyance, regardless of the cost or depth of any such plumbing 1092 system; provided, however, that only persons who hold a valid license to engage in 1093 plumbing under this chapter shall be qualified to construct, alter, or repair any plumbing 1094 system within five feet of any building, structure, or conveyance. 1095 (d) A person that is not licensed as a Master Plumber Class I or a Master Plumber Class 1096 II shall be prohibited from advertising in any manner that such person is in the business or 1097 profession of plumbing contracting.

1098 (e) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to engage 1099 in the business of plumbing unless there is regularly connected with such partnership, 1100 limited liability company, or corporation a person actively engaged in the performance of 1101 such business on a full-time basis who has a valid license as a Master Plumber Class I or 1102 a Master Plumber Class II; provided, however, that partners, officers, and employees of any 1103 individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements shall continue to be authorized to 1104 engage in the business of plumbing contracting under a license which was valid at the time 1105 of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the date of such death. The division 1106 may, at its discretion, upon application by the plumbing contractor showing good cause, 1107 grant one additional 90 day grace period.

1108 (f) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure under this Code section who 1109 satisfy the requirements of this Code section.

1110 (g) It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations 1111 qualified under this chapter to notify the appropriate division within seven days of the 1112 severance of connection with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation 1113 of any person or persons upon whom such qualification rested. 1114 (h) Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and 1115 authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal 1116 background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State for 1117 licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information necessary 1118 to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of 1119 fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance 1120 of such background check.

1121 (i) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the 1122 absence of fraud, be conclusive.

1123 (j) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a journeyman plumber under the provisions 1124 of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by 1125 the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing 1126 Board, and meet the following requirements:

1127 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70; 1128 (2) Have completed one year of full-time experience performing plumbing work of a 1129 type covered by the state minimum standard plumbing code, regardless of whether such 1130 code applied to the work in the area or at the time such work was performed by the 1131 applicant. Qualifying experience under this paragraph shall be obtained under the 1132 supervision of a licensed Master Plumber Class I or a Master Plumber Class II and shall 1133 include participation in plumbing work demonstrating practical competency in the 1134 following areas, as applicable to the scope of licensure requested and consistent with the 1135 requirements of this paragraph:

1136 (A) Installation, maintenance, alteration, service, or repair of plumbing systems, 1137 including potable water supply and distribution systems; sanitary, waste, storm 1138 drainage, and venting systems; plumbing fixtures and equipment; and fuel gas piping 1139 systems and fuel-gas-fired appliances, including piping downstream of the gas meter 1140 or storage tank;

1141 (B) Plumbing system layout, pipe sizing, material selection, inspection, testing, 1142 diagnosing, and troubleshooting of plumbing and fuel gas systems, including the 1143 application of applicable plumbing codes, standards, and manufacturer installation 1144 requirements, performed under appropriate supervision; 1145 (C) Application of safe work practices, including job site and trench safety, confined 1146 space awareness, fall protection, lockout and tagout procedures, and the proper 1147 selection and use of personal protective equipment; 1148 (D) Performance of supporting plumbing related work directly associated with the 1149 installation, alteration, service, or repair of plumbing systems, including support of 1150 plumbing system components, trenching, excavation, and backfilling, material handling 1151 and staging, demolition and general labor, operation of tools or equipment commonly 1152 used in plumbing work, assisting licensed plumbers, and installation of pipe and tubing 1153 supports, including hangers, strut, supports, and bracing; and 1154 (E) Full-time employment as an estimator or project manager for a Class I or Class II 1155 Master Plumbing Contractor, where such employment involves regular exposure to 1156 plumbing systems, plans, specifications, and job site coordination; 1157 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from the licensed Master Plumber Class I or Master 1158 Plumber Class II who supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as 1159 a current or former employer, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential 1160 requirements set forth in this subsection. When the applicant's qualifying experience was 1161 obtained under the supervision of more than one such individual, a separate signed 1162 affidavit shall be submitted by each individual who supervised or oversaw the applicable 1163 portion of the applicant's experience; and

1164 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as defined in Code Section 1165 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the 1166 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any required immigration 1167 documentation for noncitizen applicants.

1168 (k) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a Master Plumber Class I under the provisions 1169 of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by 1170 the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing 1171 Board, and meet the following requirements:

1172 (1) Successfully pass the board approved examination with a minimum score of 70; 1173 (2) Have completed a minimum of four years of full-time experience in plumbing work 1174 as would be covered by items of the Georgia State Plumbing Code, at least three years 1175 of which shall have been performed while licensed as a Journeyman Plumber under this 1176 chapter; provided, however, that an applicant licensed as a Journeyman Plumber under 1177 this chapter prior to March 1, 2025, shall be required to have completed one of such four 1178 years while licensed as a Journeyman Plumber. Qualifying experience under this 1179 subsection shall include participation in plumbing work demonstrating practical 1180 competency, as applicable to the scope of licensure requested and consistent with the 1181 requirements of this paragraph. Such experience shall be obtained under the supervision 1182 of a licensed master plumber; provided, however, that for licensure as a Statewide Master 1183 Plumber Class I, qualifying experience shall be limited to plumbing work performed 1184 within the restricted scope of practice applicable to a Master Plumber Class I, as defined 1185 in this chapter. Such qualifying experience includes, but is not limited to: 1186 (A) Installation, maintenance, alteration, service, or repair of plumbing systems, 1187 including potable water supply and distribution systems, sanitary, waste, storm 1188 drainage, and venting systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment, and fuel gas piping 1189 systems and fuel-gas-fired appliances, including piping downstream of the gas meter 1190 or storage tank, and piping downstream of any municipal or county water meter from 1191 the point of service connection and extending into and throughout the building or 1192 structure served;

1193 (B) Plumbing system layout, pipe sizing, material selection, inspection, testing, 1194 diagnosing, and troubleshooting of plumbing and fuel gas systems, including the 1195 application of applicable plumbing codes, standards, and manufacturer installation 1196 requirements, performed under appropriate supervision; 1197 (C) Application of safe work practices, including job site and trench safety, confined 1198 space awareness, fall protection, lockout and tagout procedures, and the proper 1199 selection and use of personal protective equipment; 1200 (D) Performance of supporting plumbing related work directly associated with the 1201 installation, alteration, service, or repair of plumbing systems, including support of 1202 plumbing system components; trenching, excavation, and backfilling; material handling 1203 and staging, demolition and general labor, operation of tools or equipment commonly 1204 used in plumbing work, assisting licensed plumbers, and installation of pipe and tubing 1205 supports, including hangers, strut, supports, and bracing; and 1206 (E) Full-time employment as an estimator or project manager for a Master Plumber 1207 Class I or Master Plumber Class II, where such employment involves regular exposure 1208 to plumbing systems, plans, specifications, and job site coordination; 1209 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from any licensed Master Plumber Class I or Master 1210 Plumber Class II who supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as 1211 a current or former employer, attesting to the applicant's completion of the primary 1212 experiential requirements set forth in this subsection. When the applicant's qualifying 1213 full-time experience was obtained under the supervision of more than one such 1214 individual, a separate signed affidavit shall be submitted by each individual who 1215 supervised or oversaw the applicable portion of the applicant's experience; and 1216 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as defined in Code Section 1217 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the 1218 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any required immigration 1219 documentation for noncitizen applicants.

1220 (l) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a Master Plumber Class II under the provisions 1221 of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by 1222 the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing 1223 Board, and meet the following requirements:

1224 (1) Successfully pass the board approved examination with a minimum score of 70; 1225 (2) Have completed a minimum of five years of full-time experience in plumbing work 1226 as would be covered by items of the state minimum standard plumbing code, with at least 1227 four of the five years being licensed as a Journeyman Plumber; provided, however, that 1228 an applicant licensed as a Journeyman Plumber under this chapter prior to March 1, 2025, 1229 shall be required to have completed two of such five years while licensed as a 1230 Journeyman Plumber. Qualifying experience under this subsection shall include 1231 participation in plumbing work demonstrating practical competency in the following 1232 areas, as applicable to the scope of licensure requested and consistent with the 1233 requirements of this paragraph. Such experience shall be obtained under the supervision 1234 of a licensed master plumber; provided, however, that for licensure as a Master Plumber 1235 Class II, not less than two years of the required experience shall have been obtained 1236 performing plumbing work within the unrestricted scope of practice applicable to a 1237 Master Plumber Class II, as defined in this chapter: 1238 (A) Participation in the installation, maintenance, alteration, service, or repair of 1239 plumbing systems, including potable water supply and distribution systems, sanitary, 1240 waste, storm drainage, and venting systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment, and fuel 1241 gas piping systems and fuel-gas-fired appliances, including piping downstream of the 1242 gas meter or storage tank, and piping downstream of any municipal or county water 1243 meter from the point of service connection and extending into and throughout the 1244 building or structure served;

1245 (B) Involvement in plumbing system layout, pipe sizing, material selection, and 1246 installation methods, performed under appropriate supervision where required; 1247 (C) Participation in the inspection, testing, troubleshooting, and correction of plumbing 1248 and fuel gas systems, including verification of system performance and compliance 1249 with applicable plumbing codes, standards, and manufacturer installation requirements; 1250 (D) Implementation and application of safe work practices, including job site and 1251 trench safety, confined space awareness, fall protection, lockout and tagout procedures, 1252 and the proper selection and use of personal protective equipment; and 1253 (E) Supervision or lead responsibility for plumbing personnel, including training, 1254 assignment of duties, oversight of work quality, and enforcement of safety and code 1255 compliance requirements;

1256 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from any licensed Master Plumber Class I or Master 1257 Plumber Class II who supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as 1258 a current or former employer, attesting to the applicant's completion of the primary 1259 experiential requirements set forth in this subsection. When the applicant's qualifying 1260 experience was obtained under the supervision of more than one such individual, a 1261 separate signed affidavit shall be submitted by each individual who supervised or 1262 oversaw the applicable portion of the applicant's experience; and 1263 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as defined in Code Section 1264 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the 1265 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any required immigration 1266 documentation for noncitizen applicants.

1267 (m) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and 1268 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limited to, license denial, 1269 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement 1270 action authorized by the division.

1271 43-14-14.

1272 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means the Division of Conditioned Air 1273 Contractors.

1274 (b) No person shall engage in conditioned air contracting unless such person has a valid 1275 license issued by the division.

1276 (c) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure under this Code section who 1277 satisfy the requirements of this Code section.

1278 (d) A person that is not licensed as a conditioned air contractor shall be prohibited from 1279 advertising in any manner that such person is in the business or profession of a conditioned 1280 air contractor unless the work is performed by a licensed conditioned air contractor. 1281 (e) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to engage 1282 in the business of conditioned air contracting unless there is regularly connected with such 1283 partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons actively engaged 1284 in the performance of such business on a full-time basis who have valid licenses issued to 1285 them as provided for in this chapter; provided, however, that partners, officers, and 1286 employees of the individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements shall continue to be 1287 authorized to engage in the business of conditioned air contracting under a license which 1288 was valid at the time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the date of such 1289 death. The division may, at its discretion, upon application by the conditioned air 1290 contractor showing good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace period. 1291 (f) Partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations having more than one office 1292 location from which conditioned air contracting is performed shall have at least one person 1293 stationed in each branch office of such partnership, limited liability company, or 1294 corporation who is engaged in the performance of conditioned air contracting on a full-time 1295 basis who is supervising the installation, repair, alteration, and service work of air 1296 conditioning and heating systems of all employees of such branch office locations; and who 1297 has a valid license issued as provided in this Code section. 1298 (g) It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations 1299 qualified under this chapter to notify the appropriate division within seven days of the 1300 severance of connection with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation 1301 of any person or persons upon whom such qualification rested. 1302 (h) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a Conditioned Air Contractor Class I under 1303 the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form 1304 prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction 1305 Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements: 1306 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70; 1307 (2) Have completed a minimum of years of full-time experience performing conditioned 1308 air work of a type covered by the state minimum standard codes, regardless of whether 1309 such code applied to the work in the area or at the time such work was performed by the 1310 applicant;

1311 (A) Qualifying experience under this subsection shall consist of two years of 1312 residential installation experience as a lead mechanic, one year as a service technician, 1313 one year of residential supervisory experience; and 1314 (B) An applicant shall receive credit toward the experience requirements of this section 1315 based on the actual instructional time completed in relevant coursework, meaning 1316 coursework directly related to the scope of licensure requested, provided that such 1317 credit shall not exceed two years for completion of a technical school or technical 1318 college diploma program in air conditioning technology, engineering, or engineering 1319 technology from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the 1320 division, or one year for completion of a vocational-technical school certificate program 1321 from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the division; 1322 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from any licensed architect, licensed professional engineer, 1323 public building official or building inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor who 1324 directly supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as a current or 1325 former employer, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements 1326 set forth in this Code section. When the applicant's qualifying experience was obtained 1327 under the supervision of more than one such individual, a separate signed affidavit shall 1328 be submitted by each individual who supervised or oversaw the applicable portion of the 1329 applicant's experience;

1330 (4) Complete the Type II Federal Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 1331 Technician Certification;

1332 (5) Complete a board approved heat loss and gain and duct design course; and 1333 (6) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as defined in Code Section 1334 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, and submit an affidavit verifying lawful 1335 presence in the United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, together with any 1336 required immigration documentation for noncitizen applicants. 1337 (i) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a Conditioned Air Contractor Class II under 1338 the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form 1339 prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction 1340 Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements: 1341 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70; 1342 (2)(A) Have completed a minimum of five years of full-time experience performing 1343 conditioned air work covered by the state minimum standard codes, regardless of 1344 whether such code applied to the work in the area or at the time such work was 1345 performed by the applicant. Qualifying experience under this subsection shall consist 1346 of two years of commercial supervisory experience, one year as a service technician or 1347 service supervisor, and two years of installation as a lead mechanic with at least one of 1348 the years being commercial only, installing conditioned air systems that exceed a net 1349 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling.

1350 (B) An applicant shall receive credit toward the experience requirements of this Code 1351 section based on the actual instructional time completed in relevant coursework, 1352 meaning coursework directly related to the scope of licensure requested, provided that 1353 such credit shall not exceed two years for completion of a technical school or technical 1354 college diploma program in air conditioning technology, engineering, or engineering 1355 technology from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the 1356 division, or one year for completion of a vocational-technical school certificate program 1357 from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the division; 1358 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from a licensed architect, licensed professional engineer, 1359 public building official or building inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor who 1360 directly supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as a current or 1361 former employer, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements 1362 set forth in this subsection. When the applicant's qualifying experience was obtained 1363 under the supervision of more than one such individual, a separate signed affidavit shall 1364 be submitted by each individual who supervised or oversaw the applicable portion of the 1365 applicant's experience;

1366 (4) Complete the Type II and Type III Federal Environmental Protection Agency Section 1367 608 Technician Certification;

1368 (5) Complete a board approved heat loss and gain and duct design course; and 1369 (6) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as defined in Code Section 1370 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the 1371 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any required immigration 1372 documentation for noncitizen applicants.

1373 (j) Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and 1374 authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal 1375 background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State 1376 for licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information 1377 necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable 1378 sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the 1379 performance of such background check.

1380 (k) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the 1381 absence of fraud, be conclusive. All individuals, individuals serving as partners in 1382 partnerships, applicants for limited liability companies, or applicants for corporations 1383 desiring to engage in conditioned air contracting shall be licensed under this Code section 1384 before engaging in such vocation and business, including at the local level. 1385 (l) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and 1386 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limited to, license denial, 1387 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement 1388 action authorized by the division.

1389 43-14-15.

1390 Whenever it shall appear to a division of the board or to the executive director or to a 1391 county or municipal inspection authority that any person is or has been violating this 1392 chapter or any of the lawful rules, regulations, or orders of the board, the division of the 1393 board, the local inspection authority, or the appropriate prosecuting attorney may file a 1394 petition for an injunction in the proper superior court of this state against such person for 1395 the purpose of enjoining any such violation. It shall not be necessary to allege or prove that 1396 there is no adequate remedy at law. The right of injunction provided for in this Code 1397 section shall be in addition to any other legal remedy which the board has and shall be in 1398 addition to any right of criminal prosecution provided for by law. 1399 43-14-16.

1400 (a) Any municipal or county inspection authority which meets the standards established 1401 by the board shall be authorized, after notice and hearing, to suspend the license or 1402 certification, or refuse to restore a license or certification to any person or licensee upon 1403 the grounds set out in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-14-6; provided, 1404 however, that such suspension of a license by a local inspection authority shall be 1405 applicable only within the jurisdiction of such local authority. Any person aggrieved by 1406 an action of a local authority shall be entitled to an appeal to the appropriate division of the 1407 board and a hearing.

1408 (b)(1) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit the governing authority 1409 of any county or municipality in the state from adopting and enforcing codes at the local 1410 level; provided, however, that no county or municipality may require any licensed 1411 conditioned air contractor or licensed plumber who has executed and deposited a bond 1412 as authorized in paragraph (2) of this subsection to give or furnish or execute any code 1413 compliance bond or similar bond for the purpose of ensuring that all construction, 1414 installation, or modifications are made or completed in compliance with the county or 1415 municipal ordinances or building and construction codes. 1416 (2) In order to protect the public from damages arising from any work by a licensed 1417 conditioned air contractor or licensed plumber, which work fails to comply with the 1418 ordinances or building and construction codes adopted by any county or municipal 1419 corporation, any such licensed conditioned air contractor or licensed plumber may 1420 execute and deposit with the judge of the probate court in the county of his or her 1421 principal place of business a bond in the sum of $10,000.00. Such bond shall be a cash 1422 bond of $10,000.00 or executed by a surety authorized and qualified to write surety bonds 1423 in the State of Georgia and shall be approved by the judge of the probate court. Such 1424 bond shall be conditioned upon all work done or supervised by such licensee complying 1425 with the provisions of any ordinances or building and construction codes of any county 1426 or municipal corporation wherein the work is performed. Action on such bond may be 1427 brought against the principal and surety thereon in the name of and for the benefit of any 1428 person who suffers damages as a consequence of said licensee's work not conforming to 1429 the requirements of any ordinances or building and construction codes; provided, 1430 however, that the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons so damaged shall in no 1431 event exceed the sum of such bond.

1432 (3) In any case where a bond is required under this subsection, the conditioned air 1433 contractor or plumber shall file a copy of the bond with the building official in the 1434 political subdivision wherein the work is being performed. 1435 (4) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to or affect any bonding 1436 requirements involving contracts for public works as provided in Chapter 10 of Title 13. 1437 (c) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed as prohibiting or preventing a 1438 municipality or county from fixing, charging, assessing, or collecting any license fee, 1439 registration fee, tax, or gross receipt tax on any related business or on anyone engaged in 1440 any related business governed by this chapter.

1441 43-14-17.

1442 (a) If a person is in violation Code Section 43-14-8, 43-14-9, 43-14-10, 43-14-13, or 1443 43-14-14, it shall not be necessary for an investigator to observe or witness the unlicensed 1444 person engaged illegally in the process of work or to show work in progress or work 1445 completed in order to prove the unlawful practice of electrical contracting, low voltage 1446 contracting, utility contracting, plumbing contracting, or conditioned air contracting, by an 1447 unlicensed person.

1448 (b) It shall be prima-facie evidence of a violation of this chapter if any person not licensed 1449 as a conditioned air contractor, plumbing contractor, electrical contractor, utility contractor, 1450 or low voltage contractor advertises that such person is in the business or profession of a 1451 conditioned air contractor, plumbing contractor, electrical contractor utility contractor, or 1452 low voltage contractor or advertises in a manner such that the general public would believe 1453 that such person is a licensed conditioned air contractor or in the business or profession of 1454 a conditioned air contractor, is a licensed plumbing contractor in the business or profession 1455 of a plumbing contractor, or is a licensed electrical contractor in the business or profession 1456 of an electrical contractor, is a licensed utility contractor in the business or profession of 1457 a utility contractor, or is a licensed low voltage contractor in the business or profession of 1458 a low voltage contractor. Advertising under this subsection includes, but is not limited to, 1459 newspaper, internet, social media and digital applications, television, radio, telephone 1460 directory listings, mailings, business cards, or signage at a place of business or attached to 1461 a vehicle.

1462 (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Code Section 43-1-20.1, after notice and hearing, 1463 the board may issue a cease and desist order prohibiting any person from violating the 1464 provisions of this chapter by engaging in the business or profession of a conditioned air 1465 contractor, plumbing contractor, electrical contractor, or low voltage contractor without a 1466 license as required under this chapter or by constructing, erecting, altering, or repairing a 1467 utility system without a properly certified utility manager or properly certified utility 1468 foreman present at the job site.

1469 (d) With respect to plumbing contracting, conditioned air contracting, low voltage 1470 contracting, and electrical contracting, the violation of any cease and desist order of the 1471 board issued under subsection (c) of this Code section shall subject the person violating the 1472 order to further proceedings before the board, and the board shall be authorized to impose 1473 a fine not to exceed $1,500.00 for each violation thereof. Each day that a person practices 1474 in violation of this Code section and chapter shall constitute a separate violation. 1475 (e) With respect to utility contracting, the violation of any cease and desist order of the 1476 board issued under subsection (c) of this Code section shall subject the person violating the 1477 order to further proceedings before the board, and the board shall be authorized to impose 1478 a fine not to exceed $5,000.00 for each violation thereof. Each day that a person practices 1479 in violation of this Code section and chapter or constructs, erects, alters, or repairs a utility 1480 system without a properly certified utility manager or properly certified utility foreman 1481 present at such job site shall constitute a separate violation. 1482 (f) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit the board from seeking 1483 remedies otherwise available by statute without first seeking a cease and desist order in 1484 accordance with the provisions of this Code section. 1485 (g) Any person violating this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon 1486 conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than 1487 six months, or both.

1488 43-14-18.

1489 (a) Every person holding a license issued by a division of the board shall display it in a 1490 conspicuous manner at his or her place of business. 1491 (b) All commercial vehicles used by licensees and certificate holders exclusively in the 1492 daily operation of their business shall have prominently displayed thereon the company or 1493 business registration or certificate number issued by the Secretary of State's office. Such 1494 registration number or certificate number, or website address where such number can be 1495 found, shall also be prominently displayed on any advertising relating to work which a 1496 licensee or certificate holder purports to have the capacity to perform. Said registration or 1497 certificate number shall also be printed on all invoices and proposal forms. 1498 43-14-19.

1499 (a) This chapter shall apply to all installations, alterations, and repairs of plumbing, air 1500 conditioning and heating, or electrical or low voltage wiring or utility systems within or on 1501 public or private buildings, structures, or premises except as otherwise provided in this 1502 Code section.

1503 (b) Any person that holds a license issued under this chapter may engage in the business 1504 of plumbing contracting, electrical contracting, conditioned air contracting, low voltage 1505 contracting, or utility contracting but only as prescribed by the license, throughout the state; 1506 and except as provided in Code Section 43-14-16, no municipality or county may require 1507 such person to comply with any additional licensing requirements imposed by such 1508 municipality or county.

1509 (c) This chapter shall not apply to:

1510 (1) The installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing, air conditioning and heating, utility 1511 systems, or electrical services, except low voltage wiring services, up to and including 1512 the meters where such work is performed by and is an integral part of the system owned 1513 or operated by a public service corporation, an electrical, water, or gas department of any 1514 municipality in this state, a railroad company, a pipeline company, or a mining company 1515 in the exercise of its normal function as such;

1516 (2) Low voltage wiring performed by public utilities, except that the portion of the 1517 business of public utilities which involves the installation, alteration, repair, or service 1518 of telecommunications systems for profit shall be covered under this chapter; 1519 (3) The installation, construction, or maintenance of power systems or 1520 telecommunications systems for the generation or distribution of electric current 1521 constructed under the National Electrical Safety Code, which regulates the safety 1522 requirements of utilities; but the interior wiring regulated by the National Electrical 1523 Safety Code shall not be exempt and must be done by an electrical contractor, except as 1524 otherwise provided by law; provided, however, that a tier 2 local exchange company, as 1525 defined in Code Section 46-5-162, may perform low-voltage interior wiring without 1526 licensure as an electrical contractor solely to the extent such wiring is necessary for the 1527 installation, maintenance, repair, or operation of its own telecommunications systems and 1528 network infrastructure. Such work shall be performed only by employees of the tier 2 1529 local exchange company and shall not include general electrical service work or 1530 modification of building power distribution systems unrelated to the provider's 1531 telecommunications systems;

1532 (4) Any technician employed by a municipal or county franchised community antenna 1533 television (CATV) system or a municipally owned CATV system in the performance of 1534 work on the system;

1535 (5) Regular full-time employees of an institution, manufacturer, or business who perform 1536 plumbing, electrical, low voltage wiring, utility contracting, or conditioned air contracting 1537 when working on the premises of their employer;

1538 (6) A contractor certified by the Department of Public Health to make the connection to 1539 any on-site waste-water management system from the stub out exiting the structure to an 1540 on-site waste-water management system;

1541 (7) Any employee or authorized agent of a regulated gas utility or municipally owned 1542 gas utility while in the course and scope of such employment; or 1543 (8) Persons licensed as manufactured or mobile home installers by the state fire marshal 1544 when:

1545 (A) Coupling the electrical connection from the service entrance panel outside the 1546 manufactured housing to the distribution panel board inside the manufactured housing; 1547 (B) Connecting the exterior sewer outlets to the aboveground sewer system; or 1548 (C) Connecting the exterior water line to the aboveground water system. 1549 (d) This chapter shall not prohibit:

1550 (1) An individual from installing, altering, or repairing plumbing fixtures, air 1551 conditioning and heating, air conditioning and heating fixtures, utility systems, or 1552 electrical or low voltage wiring services in a residential dwelling owned or occupied by 1553 such individual; provided, however, that all such work must be done in conformity with 1554 all other provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations of the board, and any 1555 applicable county or municipal resolutions, ordinances, codes, or inspection 1556 requirements;

1557 (2) An individual employed on the maintenance staff of a facility owned by the state or 1558 by a county, municipality, or other political subdivision from installing, altering, or 1559 repairing plumbing, plumbing fixtures, air conditioning and heating fixtures, utility 1560 systems, or electrical or low voltage wiring services when such work is an integral part 1561 of the maintenance requirements of the facility; provided, however, that all such work 1562 must be done in conformity with all other provisions of this chapter and the orders, rules, 1563 and regulations of the board;

1564 (3) Any person from installing, altering, or repairing plumbing, plumbing fixtures, air 1565 conditioning and heating fixtures, utility systems, or electrical or low voltage wiring 1566 services in a farm or ranch service building or as an integral part of any irrigation system 1567 on a farm or ranch when such system is not located within 30 feet of any dwelling or any 1568 building devoted to animal husbandry. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to 1569 limit the application of any resolution, ordinance, code, or inspection requirements of a 1570 county or municipality relating to such connections; 1571 (4) Any person from installing, altering, or repairing the plumbing component of a lawn 1572 sprinkler system from a backflow preventer which was installed by a licensed plumber; 1573 provided, however, that all such work must be done in conformity with all other 1574 provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations of the board, and ordinances of the 1575 county or municipality; or

1576 (5) Any propane dealer that is properly insured as required by law and that holds a 1577 liquefied petroleum gas license issued by the Safety Fire Commissioner from installing, 1578 repairing, or servicing a propane system or the gas piping or components of such system; 1579 provided, however, that such propane dealers shall be prohibited from performing the 1580 installation of conditioned air systems or forced air heating systems unless licensed to do 1581 so under this chapter.

1582 (e) Any person qualified by the Department of Transportation to perform work for the 1583 department shall not be required to be licensed under: 1584 (1) Code Section 43-14-10 or certified under Code Sections 43-14-11 and 43-14-12 in 1585 order to perform work for the department; or

1586 (2) Code Section 43-14-10 or certified under Code Sections 43-14-11 and 43-14-12 in 1587 order to perform work for a county, municipality, authority, or other political subdivision 1588 when such work is of the same nature as that for which the person is qualified when 1589 performing department work; provided, however, that such work is not performed on a 1590 utility system as defined in Code Section 43-14-2 for which the person receives 1591 compensation.

1592 (f) Any person who contracts with a licensed conditioned air contractor: 1593 (1) As part of a conditioned air contract to install, alter, or repair duct systems, control 1594 systems, or insulation is not required to hold a license from the Division of Conditioned 1595 Air Contractors. The conditioned air contractor must retain responsibility for completion 1596 of the contract, including any subcontracted work;

1597 (2) To perform a complete installation, alteration, or repair of a conditioned air system 1598 must hold a valid license from the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors; or 1599 (3) To perform for or on behalf of a conditioned air contractor the installation, alteration, 1600 or repair of the electrical, low voltage, or plumbing components of a conditioned air 1601 system must hold a valid license from the appropriate division of the board. 1602 (g) Any utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter shall 1603 be authorized to bid for and perform work on any utility system in this state without 1604 obtaining a license under Chapter 41 of this title. It shall be unlawful for the owner of a 1605 utility system or anyone soliciting work to be performed on a utility system to refuse to 1606 allow a utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter to bid 1607 for or perform work on a utility system on the basis that such contractor does not hold a 1608 license under Chapter 41 of this title.

1609 43-14-20.

1610 (a) All licenses and certificates issued under this chapter shall be valid for a period of two 1611 years and shall be subject to biennial renewal upon expiration. 1612 (b) All applications for renewal of a license or certificate shall be filed with the division 1613 director prior to the expiration date, accompanied by the biennial renewal fee prescribed 1614 by the board and certifying that all current requirements of continuing education as 1615 determined by the board have been fulfilled.

1616 (c) Any person who fails to renew a license or certificate on or before its expiration date 1617 may apply for late renewal during a period not to exceed 31 days immediately following 1618 the expiration of the biennial license. Such application shall be submitted and shall include 1619 the required renewal information and late renewal fee, as prescribed by the board. 1620 (d) Any license or certificate that is not renewed on or before its expiration date or during 1621 the late renewal period provided in subsection (c) of this Code section shall lapse and shall 1622 not be in good standing unless reinstated pursuant to this Code section. 1623 (e) If an application for reinstatement is submitted less than three years after the expiration 1624 date of the license or certificate, the applicant shall submit a reinstatement application, the 1625 required reinstatement fee, verification that the licensee or certificate holder has completed 1626 the required continuing education requirements, and any other information, as prescribed 1627 by the board.

1628 (f) If an application for reinstatement is submitted more than three years after the 1629 expiration date of a license or certificate, the applicant shall, in addition to satisfying the 1630 applicable continuing education requirements, comply with any additional requirements 1631 prescribed by the board or the appropriate division. Such requirements may include, when 1632 applicable to the license or certificate sought, reexamination and the submission of an 1633 affidavit attesting that the applicant meets the applicable experience requirements. 1634 (g) Each division of the board is authorized to require individuals seeking renewal of any 1635 license or certificate issued under this chapter to complete continuing education courses 1636 approved by that division.

1637 (h) Each division may approve continuing education courses or programs offered within 1638 or outside this state for licensees and certificate holders, subject to reasonable, 1639 nondiscriminatory fees. Such courses or programs shall relate to the licensed activity and 1640 shall be offered by qualified providers in accordance with rules adopted by the board. 1641 Courses conducted primarily to promote specific products or services shall not be 1642 permitted.

1643 (i) Each division may waive the continuing education requirements in cases of hardship, 1644 disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the division deems appropriate. 1645 (j) Each division shall make all reasonable efforts to make the continuing education 1646 offered pursuant to this Code section available online or through home study courses and 1647 accessible at times outside of the normal work hours of those licensed by such division. 1648 (k) Continuing education hours shall not be carried forward to a subsequent renewal 1649 period.

1650 (l) Failure to comply with the continuing education or renewal requirements of this Code 1651 section shall render the license or certificate invalid and subject the licensee or certificate 1652 holder to disciplinary action, including denial of renewal or revocation of the license. Such 1653 licensee or certificate holder shall not be authorized to engage in the business or profession 1654 for which licensed until the license or certificate is renewed or reinstated in accordance 1655 with applicable procedures.

1656 43-14-21.

1657 (a) As used in this Code section, the term:

1658 (1) 'Discharge' means an honorable discharge or a general discharge from active military 1659 service. Such term shall not mean a discharge under other than honorable conditions, a 1660 bad conduct discharge, or a dishonorable discharge. 1661 (2) 'Military' means the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the 1662 armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard. 1663 (b) A committee composed of the division director, members of the Governor's Office of 1664 Workforce Development, and members of the relevant divisions of the licensing board 1665 representing the profession for which the applicant is seeking a license shall determine the 1666 military specialties or certifications the training or experience for which substantially meets 1667 or exceeds the requirements to obtain a license for Electrical Contractor Class I, 1668 Journeyman Plumber, Conditioned Air Contractor Class I, or Utility Foreman. The 1669 Governor shall designate a chairperson from among the members of the committee. 1670 (c) Any current or former member of the military may apply to the licensing board for the 1671 expedited issuance of a license or certification based upon his or her having obtained a 1672 military specialty or certification, the training or experience for which substantially meets 1673 or exceeds the requirements to obtain a license or certification identified in subsection (b) 1674 of this Code section.

1675 (d) In order to qualify under this Code section, an applicant shall make application not 1676 later than two years after his or her discharge. The licensing board, in its discretion, may 1677 by rule or regulation extend such two-year period for a license or certification, or class 1678 thereof, or may extend such two-year period for an individual applicant if certain 1679 circumstances, including, but not limited to, health, hospitalization, or other related 1680 emergencies or exigencies, prevented the member of the military from making an 1681 application.

1682 (e) Such application shall be in such form and shall require such documentation as the 1683 division director shall determine. If the applicant satisfies the requirements of this Code 1684 section, the division director shall direct the appropriate division to issue the appropriate 1685 license, and the division shall immediately issue such license; provided, however, that the 1686 applicant shall satisfy all financial and insurance requirements for the issuance of such 1687 license. This Code section shall only apply to the initial issuance of a license. After the 1688 initial issuance of a license, the licensee shall be subject to any provisions relating to the 1689 renewal of the license applicable to all licensees. 1690 43-14-22.

1691 The board may establish a process through rules and regulations for licenses issued under 1692 this chapter to be placed on inactive status and the qualifications necessary for such 1693 licenses to be returned to active status; provided, however, that engaging in any conduct 1694 that requires a license under this chapter while holding an inactive license shall be 1695 considered an unlicensed practice and shall be prohibited. 1696 43-14-23.

1697 Each division of the board may, in its discretion, grant a license or certificate to any person 1698 who, at the time of application, is licensed or certified in another state whose requirements 1699 for licensure are substantially equal to the requirements for a similar license or certificate 1700 issued under this chapter, and to grant such person full privileges to engage in equivalent 1701 practice authorized under this chapter without requiring an examination, if applicable, 1702 provided that:

1703 (1) The applicant has been principally engaged in the practice authorized by such license 1704 or certificate for a period of not less than two years immediately preceding the 1705 application;

1706 (2) The applicant submits a proper application, pays a fee in an amount established by 1707 the board, and completes any additional safety training courses required by the board; and 1708 (3) The state in which the applicant is licensed or certified affords substantially 1709 equivalent licensure or certification privileges to persons licensed or certified under this 1710 chapter by the State of Georgia.

1711 43-14-24.

1712 This chapter shall be administered in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the 'Georgia 1713 Administrative Procedure Act.'"

1714 SECTION 3.

1715 Code Section 48-7-38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to deduction for 1716 payments to classified subcontractors, disclosure of tax returns, and maintenance of list of 1717 classified subcontractors, is amended by revising paragraph (2) of subsection (a) as follows: 1718 "(2) 'Small business' ~~shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 50-5-121~~ 1719 means a business which is independently owned and operated and: 1720 (A) Tier one: has ten or fewer employees or $1 million or less in gross receipts per 1721 year;

1722 (B) Tier two: has 100 or fewer employees or $10 million or less in gross receipts per 1723 year; or

1724 (C) Tier three: has 300 or fewer employees or $30 million or less in gross receipts per 1725 year."

1726 SECTION 4.

1727 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.