SB553: SB553 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

26 LC 56 0670-ECS 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, re lating to professions and1 businesses, so as to repeal Chapter 14, relating to electrical contractors, plumbers,2 conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and utility contractors, and enact a new3 Chapter 14; to provide for the State Construction Industry Licensing Board; to provide for4 the Division of Electrical Contractors; to provide for the Divi sion of Master Plumbers; to5 provide for the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors; to provide for the Division of Low6 Voltage Contractors; to provide for the Division of Utility Con tractors; to provide for7 membership, powers, and duties of each; to provide for licensure or certification within the8 fields of plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, low voltage, and utility contracting; to9 provide for application; to provide for requirements for licensure or certification; to provide10 for recertification; to provide for continuing education; to provide for prohibitions; to provide11 for exceptions; to provide for reciprocity; to provide for licensing or certification of current12 or former members of the military; to provide for a misdemeanor; to provide for definitions;13 to provide for legislative intent; to provide for conformity with federal law; to amend Code14 Section 48-7-38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, rela ting to deduction for15 payments to classified subcontractors, disclosure of tax returns, and maintenance of list of16 classified subcontractors, so as to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to17 repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.18 S. B. 553 - 1 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:19 SECTION 1.20 Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses,21 is amended by adding a new paragraph to subsection (d) of Code Section 43-1-34, relating22 to licenses for transitioning members of the armed forces, to read as follows:23 "(5) The provisions of this subsection shall be cumulative to those provided in 50 U.S.C.24 Section 4025a, and nothing in this subsection shall be interpreted as limiting or imposing25 additional obligations on portability pursuant to 50 U.S.C. Section 4025a."26 SECTION 2.27 Said title is further amended by repealing Chapter 14, relating to electrical contractors,28 plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and utility contractors, and29 enacting a new Chapter 14 to read as follows:30 "CHAPTER 1431 43-14-1.32 This chapter is enacted for the purpose of safeguarding homeown ers, other property33 owners, tenants, and the general public against faulty, inadequ ate, inefficient, or unsafe34 electrical, plumbing, low voltage wiring, utility contracting, or conditioned air installations. 35 The practices of electrical contracting, plumbing contracting, low voltage contracting,36 utility contracting, and conditioned air contracting are declar ed to be businesses or37 professions affecting the public interest; and this chapter shall be liberally construed so as38 to accomplish the purposes stated in this Code section.39 S. B. 553 - 2 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS 43-14-2.40 As used in this chapter, the term:41 (1) 'Alarm system' means any device or combination of devices used to detect a situation,42 causing an alarm in the event of a burglary, fire, robbery, med ical emergency, or43 equipment failure, or on the occurrence of any other predetermi ned life safety event. 44 Such term shall also include any alarm system communication system used or required45 to transmit notice of a life safety or intrusion event to a loc al or remote monitoring46 facility.47 (2) 'Board' means the State Construction Industry Licensing Board.48 (3) 'Conditioned air contracting' means the installation, repair, or service of conditioned49 air systems or conditioned air equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, the service50 to or installation of the electrical circuit from the electrica l distribution panel to the51 conditioned air equipment, provided that the electrical service to the building or site is52 a single-phase electrical circuit not exceeding 200 amperes performed by conditioned air53 contractors licensed under this chapter.54 (4) 'Conditioned air contractor' means any person engaged in conditioned air contracting55 under express or implied contract or that bids for, offers to perform, purports to have the56 capacity to perform, or does perform conditioned air contracting services under express57 or implied contract.58 (5) 'Conditioned Air Contractor Class I' means any individual licensed under this chapter59 to conduct business as a Residential and Light Commercial entity for air conditioning and60 heat pump systems of 60,000 BTUs of cooling or less, and for ga s heating systems of61 175,000 BTUs or less. The scope of practice for a Conditioned Air Contractor Class I62 shall include, but is not limited to, the business of permitting jobs, bidding on projects,63 and performing maintenance, service, and repairs of equipment and components, as well64 as installing new equipment and components, including ductwork, refrigerant lines, gas65 piping, controls, and accessories.66 S. B. 553 - 3 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (6) 'Conditioned Air Contractor Class II' means any individual licensed under this67 chapter to conduct business as a residential and commercial ent ity, without limitations68 or restrictions on project size or equipment types, except for the installation of boilers,69 which is licensed under the Office of the Commissioner of Insur ance and Safety Fire. 70 The scope of practice for a Conditioned Air Contractor Class II shall include, but is not71 limited to, the design, bidding, permitting, and the performance of maintenance, service,72 and repairs of equipment and components, as well as the install ation of new and73 replacement systems, including split air conditioning and heat pump systems, package74 units, variable refrigerant flow systems, chillers, ventilation systems, and all associated75 components.76 (7) 'Conditioned air equipment' means heating and air conditioning equipment covered77 under state codes and the fuel gas piping system on the outlet side of the gas meter.78 (8) 'Electrical contracting' means the installation, maintenan ce, alteration, or repair of79 any electrical equipment, apparatus, control system, or electrical wiring device which is80 attached to or incorporated into any building or structure in this state but shall not include81 low voltage contracting.82 (9) 'Electrical contractor' means any individual licensed under this chapter as Electrical83 Contractor Class I or Electrical Contractor Class II by the Div ision of Electrical84 Contractors, engaged in the business of electrical contracting under express or implied85 contract or that bids for, offers to perform, purports to have the capacity to perform, or86 does perform electrical contracting services under express or implied contract.87 (10) 'Electrical Contractor Class I' means any individual licensed under this chapter by88 the Division of Electrical Contractors to perform work as an el ectrical contractor on89 residential multifamily structures of not more than two levels or single-family dwellings90 of up to three levels, provided that structures shall have sing le-phase electrical91 installations which do not exceed 400 amperes at the service drop or the service lateral.92 S. B. 553 - 4 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (11) 'Electrical Contractor Class II' means any individual licensed under this chapter by93 the Division of Electrical Contractors to perform work as an electrical contractor without94 restriction, including, but not limited to, the installation of raceway systems, including95 pull boxes, junction boxes, conduit bodies, service entrances, metering devices, cabinets,96 switchboards, service risers, and fasteners, overcurrent protective devices, disconnecting97 means, ground electrodes, main bonding jumpers, ground fault pr otectors, switches,98 disconnects, and controls that supply lighting fixtures, applia nces, electrical circuits,99 controls for heating and air conditioning equipment, and other utilization and general use100 equipment, according to installation requirements set by the st ate minimum standard101 codes, the National Electrical Code, and any successor code.102 (12) 'Executive director' means the executive director of the State Construction Industry103 Licensing Board.104 (13) 'Full-time experience' means working at least 2,000 hours in a calendar year in a105 qualifying capacity, with each 2,000 hours of documented work equating to one year of106 experience for purposes of licensure or qualifications requirements.107 (14) 'General low voltage system' means any electrical system, other than an alarm or108 telecommunications system, that involves low voltage wiring and consists of a group or109 combination of interconnected components functioning together t o perform a specific110 purpose using low voltage power or signaling, including devices , wiring, control111 equipment, software, and network connections operating as a single, integrated system.112 (15) 'Journeyman plumber' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the113 Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers who engages in the installation,114 maintenance, alteration, or repair of piping, fixtures, and app liances, including water115 heaters, and all appurtenances thereto, in connection with sani tary drainage systems,116 storm drainage systems, venting systems, fuel gas piping system s on the outlet side of117 tanks or gas meters, or public or private water supply systems, whether located within or118 adjacent to any building, struct ure, conveyance, or manhole und er the direction of a119 S. B. 553 - 5 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS plumbing contractor. A journeyman plumber shall have the ability to install or service120 a single phase of the electrical connection between the electri cal disconnect and water121 heater, plumbing appliance or appurtenance, provided that the work performed adheres122 to the state minimum standard plumbing code, state minimum electrical code, and state123 minimum standard fuel gas code.124 (16) 'License' means a valid license or certification issued b y a division of the board,125 which authorizes the named person to engage in the activity prescribed thereon.126 (17) 'Low voltage contracting' means the installation, alteration, service, or repair of a127 power limited or signal based system that utilizes low voltage wiring and components to128 transmit information, control devices, or monitor conditions. Such term shall not include129 electrical power distribution systems.130 (18) 'Low voltage contractor' means any person licensed under this chapter by the131 Division of Low Voltage Contractors who purports to have the capacity to perform, or132 does perform low voltage contracting services under express or implied contract,133 including the installation, alteration, servicing, or repair of integrated systems made up134 of wiring, devices, software, and networked components that fun ction together as a135 complete solution.136 (19) 'Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A' means any individual licensed under this137 chapter by the Division of Low Voltage Contractors to perform work restricted to alarm138 systems and general low voltage systems.139 (20) 'Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G' means any individual licensed under this140 chapter by the Division of Low Voltage Contractors to perform work restricted to general141 low voltage systems.142 (21) 'Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T' means any individual licensed under this143 chapter by the Division of Low Voltage Contractors to perform w ork restricted to144 telecommunications systems and general low voltage systems.145 S. B. 553 - 6 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (22) 'Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U' means any individual licensed under this146 chapter by the Division of Low Voltage Contractors to engage in low voltage contracting147 without limitation as to specialty or system type, and who is authorized to design, install,148 alter, service, repair, and maintain all low voltage systems, including general low voltage149 systems, alarm and life-safety systems, and telecommunications systems for voice, data,150 and network infrastructure, based on demonstrated competence ac ross multiple low151 voltage disciplines.152 (23) 'Low voltage wiring' means wiring systems and associated control circuits which153 include, but are not limited to:154 (A) Wiring systems of 50 volts or less;155 (B) Wiring systems having a voltage in excess of 50 volts, pro vided such systems156 consist solely of power limited circuits meeting the definition of a Class II and Class157 III wiring system as defined in Article 725 of the National Electrical Code; or158 (C) Line voltage wiring having a voltage not in excess of 300 volts to ground and159 installed from the load-side terminals of a suitable disconnecting means which has been160 installed for the specific purpose of supplying the low voltage wiring system involved161 or installed from a suitable junction box.162 (24) 'Master Plumber Class I' means any individual licensed un der this chapter by the163 Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers, who is aut horized to perform164 plumbing work and contract for on residential single-family dwellings, townhomes, and165 multifamily dwellings, including duplexes, hotels, motels, and apartment buildings, not166 exceeding three stories in height, and on commercial buildings not exceeding 20,000167 square feet in total building area.168 (25) 'Master Plumber Class II' means any individual licensed under this chapter by the169 Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers, who is aut horized to perform170 work and contract for all scopes of plumbing work, without limitation, as defined in the171 state minimum standard plumbing code and the state minimum standard fuel gas code. 172 S. B. 553 - 7 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS Such work shall include, but is not limited to, plumbing work on commercial buildings173 of any size; industrial facilities; institutional occupancies; multistory structures of any174 occupancy classification; and specialized use facilities.175 (26) 'Plumbing' means:176 (A) The practice of installing, maintaining, altering, or repa iring piping fixtures,177 appliances, and appurtenances in connection with sanitary drainage or storm drainage178 facilities, venting systems, medical gas piping systems, natural gas piping systems on179 the outlet side of gas meters, or public or private water suppl y systems within or180 adjacent to any building, structure, conveyance, or manhole; and181 (B) The practice of and materials used in installing, maintaining, extending, or altering182 the natural gas, storm-water, sewerage, and water supply system s of any premises to183 their connection with any point of public disposal or other acceptable terminal.184 (27) 'Plumbing contractor' means any person licensed under thi s chapter as a Master185 Plumber Class I or Master Plumber Class II by the Division of M aster Plumbers and186 Journeyman Plumbers, who is engaged in the business of plumbing contracting, including187 bidding for, offering to perform, purporting to have the capaci ty to perform, or188 performing plumbing contracting services under an express or implied contract, and who189 is responsible for obtaining required permits, ensuring compliance with applicable codes,190 coordinating inspections, performing or correcting work as necessary, and securing final191 approval of permitted work. Such term shall not include a licensed journeyman plumber.192 (28) 'Telecommunications system' means a system of transmission facilities, conductors,193 equipment, and associated apparatus used to convey voice, data, video, or other194 information by electromagnetic means, whether wired or wireless , consistent with195 telecommunications circuits and systems recognized under the state minimum standard196 codes, including systems capable of local or remote monitoring, management, or197 administration through secured access.198 S. B. 553 - 8 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (29) 'Utility contracting' means undertaking to construct, erect, alter, or repair or have199 constructed, erected, altered, or repaired any utility system.200 (30) 'Utility contractor' means a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation licensed201 under this chapter by the Division of Utility Contractors which is engaged in utility202 contracting under express or implied contract or which bids for , offers to perform,203 purports to have the capacity to perform, or does perform utili ty contracting under204 express or implied contract.205 (31) 'Utility foreman' means any individual certified under this chapter by the Division206 of Utility Contractors who is employed by a licensed utility co ntractor to directly207 supervise a project performing the construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility208 systems in the field.209 (32) 'Utility manager' means any individual certified under this chapter by the Division210 of Utility Contractors who is employed by a licensed utility contractor to oversee multiple211 projects performing the construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility systems.212 (33) 'Utility system' means:213 (A) Any system at least five feet underground, when installed or accessed by trenching,214 open cut, cut and cover, or other similar construction methods which install or access215 the system from the ground surface, including, but not limited to, gas distribution216 systems, electrical distribution systems, communication systems, water supply systems,217 and sanitary sewerage and drainage systems; and218 (B) Reservoirs and filtration plants, water and waste-water treatment plants, leachate219 collection and treatment systems associated with landfills, and pump stations, when the220 system distributes or collects a service, product, or commodity for which a fee or price221 is paid for said service, product, or commodity or for the disp osal of said service,222 product, or commodity.223 S. B. 553 - 9 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS 43-14-3.224 (a) There is created within the executive branch of state government the State Construction225 Industry Licensing Board. The board shall be assigned to the Secretary of State's office for226 administrative purposes and shall be under the jurisdiction of the division director, in227 accordance with Code Section 43-1-2.228 (b) The board shall be composed of 27 members as follows:229 (1) Five members known as the Division of Electrical Contractors, one of whom shall230 be a professional engineer engaged in electrical practice, anot her of whom shall have231 experience as an inspector with electrical inspection duties of a county or municipality232 or a third-party inspector regularly providing inspections to a county or municipality, and233 the remaining three of whom shall be licensed electrical contractors in this state;234 (2) Five members known as the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers,235 one of whom shall have experience as an inspector with plumbing inspection duties of236 a county or municipality or a third-party inspector regularly p roviding inspections to a237 county or municipality, three of whom shall be master or contracting plumbers, and one238 of whom shall be a journeyman plumber;239 (3) Five members known as the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors, one of whom240 shall be a licensed professional engineer engaged in mechanical practice, one of whom241 shall have experience as an inspector with conditioned air inspection duties of a county242 or municipality or a third-party inspector regularly providing inspections to a county or243 municipality, and three of whom shall be conditioned air contractors with more than five244 years of installation and service experience in the trade;245 (4) Five members known as the Division of Low Voltage Contractors, one of whom shall246 be a Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A, one of whom shall be a Low Voltage247 Contractor Class LV-U, one of whom shall be a Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T, one248 of whom shall be a professional electrical engineer, and one of whom shall have249 S. B. 553 - 10 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS experience as an inspector with electrical inspection duties of a county or municipality250 or contracted by a county or municipality to perform electrical inspections;251 (5) Five members known as the Division of Utility Contractors, three of whom shall be252 utility contractors, one of whom shall be a registered professional engineer, and one of253 whom shall be an insurance company representative engaged primarily in the bonding of254 construction projects; and255 (6) Two members who shall not have any connection with the uti lity contracting, low256 voltage contracting, electrical contracting, plumbing, or condi tioned air contracting257 businesses whatsoever but who shall have a recognized interest in consumer affairs and258 consumer protection concerns.259 (c) All members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the260 Senate, for four-year terms. Each member shall serve until a s uccessor has been duly261 appointed and qualified. Members shall be eligible for reappoi ntment. Vacancies262 occurring prior to the expiration of a term, for whatever cause , shall be filled by263 appointment of the Governor for the unexpired portion of the te rm. Any member who264 ceases to meet the qualifications required for original appoint ment during the member's265 term shall automatically forfeit membership on the board.266 (d) Each member of the board shall take an oath of office befo re the Governor or the267 Governor's designee to faithfully perform the duties of such office.268 (e) The Governor may remove any member for failure to attend meetings, neglect of duty,269 incompetence, revocation or suspension of professional trade license, or other dishonorable270 conduct.271 (f) Members of the board shall be reimbursed as provided for in subsection (f) of Code272 Section 43-1-2.273 S. B. 553 - 11 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS 43-14-4.274 (a) The board chairperson shall be rotated among the five divisions enumerated in Code275 Section 43-14-3. In the instance of a vacancy by the board cha irperson, the members of276 the board shall select a current member to serve the former board chairperson's unexpired277 term. The individual selected to fill the vacancy shall be a member of the same division278 as the previous board chairperson.279 (b) The board shall meet at the call of the board chairperson or upon the recommendation280 of a majority of its members.281 (c) Each division within the board shall also elect from its m embership a division282 chairperson who shall serve for a term of two years. Any vacancy in the office of division283 chairperson shall be filled by one of the members for the unexpired term.284 (d) Any member elected division chairperson may serve more than one consecutive term285 of office.286 (e) Each division shall carry out its powers and duties provided for in this chapter with the287 assistance of the division director and staff of the board.288 (f) Each division shall meet at the call of its division chairperson.289 (g) Three members of each division shall constitute a quorum f or the transaction of290 business of such division.291 43-14-5.292 The board shall have the power to:293 (1) Request from the various state departments and other agencies and authorities of the294 state and its political subdivisions and their agencies and aut horities such available295 information as it may require in its work; and all such agencie s and authorities shall296 furnish such requested available information to the board within a reasonable time;297 (2) Provide by regulation for reciprocity with other states in the registration and licensing298 of electrical contractors, master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, low voltage contractors,299 S. B. 553 - 12 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS utility contractors, or conditioned air contractors and in the certification of utility300 contracting foremen, provided that such other states have requi rements substantially301 similar to the requirements in force in this state for registra tion, licensure, and302 certification; provided, further, that a similar privilege is offered to residents of this state;303 (3) Adopt an official seal for its use and modify such seal as the board deems necessary;304 (4) Establish rules and regulations, consistent with this chapter, for the protection of the305 health, safety, and welfare of the public and for regulating th e licensing of electrical306 contracting, plumbing contracting, low voltage contracting, uti lity contracting, and307 conditioned air contracting professionals; and308 (5) Upon notice and hearing authorized and conducted in accordance with Code Section309 43-14-17 and any rules and regulations promulgated by the board , either by the board310 directly or through a valid delegation of the board's enforceme nt power to a division311 thereof, assess civil penalties in an amount up to $10,000.00 p er violation against any312 person found to be in violation of any requirement of this chapter.313 43-14-6.314 (a) The Division of Electrical Contractors, with respect to ap plicants for a license to315 engage in or licensees engaging in the business of electrical c ontracting; the Division of316 Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers, with respect to applic ants for a license to317 engage in or licensees engaging in the business of plumbing as a Master Plumber Class I,318 Master Plumber Class II, or journeyman plumber; the Division of Low Voltage319 Contractors, with respect to applicants for a license to engage in or licensees engaging in320 the business of low voltage contracting; the Division of Utility Contractors, with respect321 to applicants for a license to engage in or licensees engaging in the business of utility322 contracting and with respect to applicants for a certificate to be a utility manager or utility323 foreman or holders of a utility manager or utility foreman certificate; and the Division of324 S. B. 553 - 13 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS Conditioned Air Contractors, with respect to applicants for a l icense to engage in or325 licensees engaging in the business of conditioned air contracting, shall:326 (1) Assess and approve examination requirements for each class or type of license or327 certificate issued under this chapter, as follows:328 (A) The Division of Electrical Contractors shall approve separ ate examinations for329 Electrical Contractor Class I and Electrical Contractor Class II;330 (B) The Division of Master Plumbers and Journeyman Plumbers shall approve separate331 examinations for Master Plumber Class I, Master Plumber Class I I, and Journeyman332 Plumbers;333 (C) The Division of Conditioned Air Contractors shall approve separate examinations334 for Conditioned Air Contractor Class I and Conditioned Air Contractor Class II; and335 (D) The Division of Low Voltage Contractors shall approve separate examinations for336 Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A, Low Voltage Contractor Class L V - T , L o w337 Voltage Contractor Class LV-G, and Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U;338 (2) Register and license or grant a certificate and issue rene wal licenses and renewal339 certificates biennially to all persons meeting the qualifications for a license or certificate. 340 The following licenses or certificates shall be issued by the divisions:341 (A) Electrical Contractor Class I;342 (B) Electrical Contractor Class II;343 (C) Master Plumber Class I;344 (D) Master Plumber Class II;345 (E) Journeyman Plumber;346 (F) Conditioned Air Contractor Class I;347 (G) Conditioned Air Contractor Class II;348 (H) Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A;349 (I) Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T;350 (J) Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G;351 S. B. 553 - 14 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (K) Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U;352 (L) Utility Contractor;353 (M) Utility Manager (certificate); and354 (N) Utility Foreman (certificate);355 (3) Investigate, with the aid of the division director, alleged violations of this chapter or356 other laws and rules and regulations of the board relating to the profession;357 (4) After notice and hearing, have the power to reprimand any person, licensee, or358 certificate holder, or to suspend, revoke, or cancel the license or certificate of or refuse359 to grant, renew, or restore a license or certificate to any per son, licensee, or certificate360 holder upon any one of the following grounds:361 (A) The commission of any false, fraudulent, or deceitful act or the use of any forged,362 false, or fraudulent document in connection with the license or certificate requirements363 of this chapter or the rules and regulations of the board;364 (B) Failure at any time to comply with the requirements for a license or certificate365 under this chapter or the rules and regulations of the board;366 (C) Engaging in any fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest conduct in the practice of the367 profession regulated under this chapter that is likely to decei ve, defraud, or harm the368 public, including knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untru e, or fraudulent369 representations in the practice of the profession or on any doc ument connected370 therewith;371 (D) Knowingly aiding, abetting, assisting, or permitting any unlicensed or noncertified372 person or entity to engage in the practice of the profession regulated under this chapter,373 including by lending, leasing, renting, assigning, or otherwise allowing the use of one's374 license, or by combining or conspiring with such person or enti ty to evade the375 provisions of this chapter;376 (E) Knowingly performing any act which in any way assists an u nlicensed or377 noncertified person to practice such profession;378 S. B. 553 - 15 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (F) Violating, directly or indirectly, or assisting in or abet ting any violation of any379 provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation of the board; or380 (G) The performance of any faulty, inadequate, inefficient, or unsafe electrical381 contracting, plumbing, low voltage contracting, utility contracting, or conditioned air382 contracting likely to endanger life, health, or property. The performance of any work383 that does not comply with the standards set by state codes or b y local codes in384 jurisdictions where such codes are adopted, provided that such local codes are as385 stringent as the state codes, or by other codes or regulations which have been adopted386 by the board, shall be prima-facie evidence of the faulty, inad equate, inefficient, or387 unsafe character of such electrical, plumbing, low voltage cont racting, utility388 contracting, or conditioned air contracting; provided, however, that the board, in its sole389 discretion, for good cause shown and under such conditions as it may prescribe, may390 restore a license to any person whose license has been suspended or revoked;391 (5) Review amendments to or revisions in the state minimum standard codes as prepared392 pursuant to Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 8; and the Department of Community393 Affairs shall be required to provide to the division director a copy of any amendment to394 or revision in the state minimum standard codes at least 45 day s prior to the adoption395 thereof; and396 (6) Do all other things necessary and proper to exercise their powers and perform their397 duties in accordance with this chapter.398 (b) The divisions mentioned in subsection (a) of this Code section shall also hear appeals399 resulting from the suspension of licenses by an approved municipal or county licensing or400 inspection authority pursuant to Code Section 43-14-16.401 S. B. 553 - 16 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS 43-14-7.402 (a) All orders and processes of the board and the divisions of the board shall be signed and403 attested by the division director; and any notice or legal proc ess necessary to be served404 upon the board or the divisions may be served upon the division director.405 (b) The division director or his or her designee is vested with the power and authority to406 make such investigations in connection with the enforcement of this chapter and the rules407 and regulations of the board as the director, the board, the di visions of the board, or any408 district attorney may deem necessary or advisable.409 (c) In accordance with Code Section 43-1-2, the division direc tor shall be authorized to410 review each application for the issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of a license under this411 chapter, and upon determining that an application satisfies all of the qualifications,412 attainments, and other conditions required for the issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of a413 particular license under this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to414 this chapter, shall be authorized, on behalf of the board, to i ssue, renew, or reinstate the415 license of the applicant.416 43-14-8.417 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means th e Division of Electrical418 Contractors.419 (b)(1) No person shall engage in electrical contracting unless such person has a valid420 license issued by the division.421 (2) A person that is not licensed as an electrical contractor shall be prohibited from422 advertising in any manner that such person is in the business or profession of electrical423 contracting unless the work is performed by a licensed electrical contractor.424 (c) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure un der this Code section who425 satisfy the requirements of this Code section.426 S. B. 553 - 17 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (d) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to engage427 in the business of electrical contracting unless there is regul arly connected with such428 partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons actively engaged429 in the performance of such business on a full-time basis who have valid licenses issued to430 them as provided for in this chapter; provided, however, that p artners, officers, and431 employees of any individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements shall continue to be432 authorized to engage in the business of electrical contracting under a license which was433 valid at the time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the date of such death. 434 The division may, at its discretion, grant one additional 90 da y grace period for such435 partners, officers, and employees. It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liability436 companies, and corporations qualified under this chapter to notify the appropriate division437 within seven days of the severance of connection with such part nership, limited liability438 company, or corporation of any person or persons upon whom such qualification rested.439 (e) Any individual seeking to obtain a license as an Electrical Contractor Class I under the440 provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application w ith division on a form441 prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established b y the State Construction442 Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:443 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;444 (2) Meet eligibility requirements according to one of the following criteria:445 (A) At least three years of full-time experience in the electr ical field as would be446 covered by the Georgia Electrical Code, the National Electrical Code, or any successor447 code, which shall mean working experience gained through the di rect installation of448 electrical systems and directly related activities of a type co vered by the National449 Electrical Code or its successor code. To satisfy the experien tial requirements for450 licensure as an Electrical Contractor Class I under this criter ia, an applicant shall451 demonstrate successful completion of electrical projects encompassing not fewer than452 five of the experience areas described in divisions (i) through (vii) of this subparagraph453 S. B. 553 - 18 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS and shall additionally demonstrate competency in the experience area described in454 division (viii) of this subparagraph:455 (i) Installation of raceway sys tems, including pull boxes, jun ction boxes, conduit456 bodies, and the connections in the system and to cabinets, panelboards, switchboards,457 and boxes;458 (ii) Installation of conductors, including flexible cords, cab les, splices, taps,459 terminations, bonding jumpers, overcurrent protective devices, and metering devices,460 in cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, boxes, and conduit, whi ch meet all sizing,461 ampacity, and voltage installation requirements;462 (iii) Installation of service entrances, metering devices, cab inets, switchboards,463 service risers and fasteners, overcurrent protective devices, d isconnecting means,464 ground electrodes, main bonding jumpers, and ground fault prote ctors, which meet465 sizing, rating, clearances, and weatherproofing installation requirements;466 (iv) Installation of motors and generators with feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent467 protective devices, disconnect means, and controllers, which me et sizing, rating,468 usage, and location requirements;469 (v) Installation of switches, disconnects, and controls that s upply lighting fixtures,470 appliances, electrical circuits, controls for heating and air c onditioning equipment,471 and other utilization and general use equipment;472 (vi) Installation of materials and equipment required for use in special occupancies473 according to the state minimum standard codes;474 (vii) Bonding of interior metal piping systems, installation o f properly sized475 equipment grounding conductors, grounding of exposed noncurrent carrying metal476 parts of electrical equipment, and protection of grounding conductors from physical477 damage; and478 (viii) Determination of general lighting loads, minimum branch circuits, minimum479 ampacity of conductors in feeder and branch circuits, maximum allowable conductor480 S. B. 553 - 19 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS fill for raceways, net loads, using specified or optional metho ds, rates or demand481 factors, and derating factors given in the state minimum standard codes; and482 (B) Completed a two-year academic diploma or certificate progr am in electrical483 contracting offered by an accredited technical college, university, or other institution484 recognized by the division, and has completed two years of full-time experience, which485 experience shall meet the definition of qualifying experience s e t f o r t h i n486 subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and shall consist of work of a type covered by the487 state minimum standard codes, or has successfully completed an electrical488 apprenticeship program accredited or approved by the United Sta tes Department of489 Labor;490 (3) Submit a signed affidavit attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential491 requirements set forth in this subsection. Such affidavit shal l be executed by the492 supervising licensed contractor or, in the alternative, by a licensed architect, professional493 engineer, or electrical engineer, and shall be made under oath. Where the applicant's494 qualifying full-time experience was obtained under the supervision of more than one such495 individual, a separate affidavit shall be submitted from each individual for the period of496 experience supervised; and497 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section498 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the499 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration500 documentation for noncitizen applicants.501 (f) Any individual seeking to obtain a license as an Electrical Contractor Class II under the502 provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application w ith the division on a form503 prescribed by the division, shall pay the required fees established by the State Construction504 Industry Licensing Board, and shall meet the following requirements:505 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;506 (2) Meet one of the following criteria:507 S. B. 553 - 20 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (A) At least four years of full-time experience in the electri cal field as would be508 covered by the Georgia Electrical Code, the National Electrical Code, or any successor509 code of which not less than two years shall have been in the installation, alteration, or510 repair of three-phase electrical systems, including the following:511 (i) Work involving electrical installations exceeding single-phase, 200 amperes, as512 governed by the National Electrical Code or its successor code;513 (ii) Installation of raceway systems, including pull boxes, ju nction boxes, conduit514 bodies, and the connections in the system and to cabinets, panelboards, switchboards,515 and boxes;516 (iii) Installation of conductors, including flexible cords, ca bles, splices, taps,517 terminations, bonding jumpers, overcurrent protective devices, and metering devices,518 in cabinets, panelboards, switchboards, boxes, and conduit, whi ch meet all sizing,519 ampacity, and voltage installation requirements;520 (iv) Installation of service entrances, metering devices, cabi nets, switchboards,521 service risers and fasteners, overcurrent protective devices, d isconnecting means,522 ground electrodes, main bonding jumpers, and ground fault protectors which meet all523 sizing, rating, clearances, and weatherproofing installation requirements;524 (v) Installation of motors and generators with feeders, branch circuits, overcurrent525 protective devices, disconnect means, and controllers, which meet all sizing, rating,526 usage, and location requirements;527 (vi) Installation of switches, disconnects, and controls that supply lighting fixtures,528 appliances, electrical circuits, controls for heating and air c onditioning equipment,529 and other utilization and general use equipment;530 (vii) Installation of materials and equipment required for use in special occupancies531 according to use and code installation requirements, as defined by the National532 Electrical Code or its successor code;533 S. B. 553 - 21 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (viii) Bonding of interior metal piping systems, installation of properly sized534 equipment grounding conductors, grounding of exposed noncurrent carrying metal535 parts of electrical equipment, and protection of grounding conductors from physical536 damage; and537 (ix) Determination of general lighting loads, minimum branch c ircuits, minimum538 ampacity of conductors in feeder and branch circuits, maximum allowable conductor539 fill for raceways, net loads, using specified or optional metho ds, rates or demand540 factors, and derating factors given in the state minimum standard codes;541 (B) Completed a two-year academic diploma or certificate progr am in electrical542 contracting offered by an accredited technical college, university, or other institution543 recognized by the division, and has completed four years of ful l-time experience, of544 which not less than two years shall have been in the installation, alteration, or repair of545 three-phase electrical systems which experience shall meet the definition of qualifying546 experience set forth in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and shall consist of work of547 a type covered by the Georgia Electrical Code, the National Ele ctrical Code, or any548 successor code; or549 (C) Completed an electrical apprenticeship program accredited or approved by the550 United States Department of Labor and has completed one year of full-time experience551 in the installation, alteration, or repair of three-phase elect rical systems which552 experience shall meet the definition of qualifying experience set forth in paragraph (2)553 of this subsection and shall consist of work of a type covered by the Georgia Electrical554 Code, the National Electrical Code, or any successor code;555 (3) Submit a signed affidavit attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential556 requirements set forth in this subsection. Such affidavit shal l be executed by the557 supervising licensed contractor or, in the alternative, by a licensed architect, professional558 engineer, or electrical engineer, and shall be made under oath. Where the applicant's559 qualifying full-time experience was obtained under the supervision of more than one such560 S. B. 553 - 22 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS individual, a separate affidavit shall be submitted from each individual for the period of561 experience supervised; and562 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section563 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the564 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration565 documentation for noncitizen applicants.566 (g) An application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent567 and authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her repr esentative to perform a568 criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary569 of State for licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information570 necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but no t limited to, classifiable571 sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for a ll fees associated with the572 performance of such background check.573 (h) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the574 absence of fraud, be conclusive. All individuals, individuals serving as partners in575 partnerships, applicants for limited liability companies, or ap plicants for corporations576 desiring to engage in electrical contracting shall be licensed under this Code section before577 engaging in such vocation and business, including at the local level.578 (i) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and579 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limit ed to, license denial,580 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement581 action authorized by the division.582 43-14-9.583 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means th e Division of Low Voltage584 Contractors.585 S. B. 553 - 23 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (b) No person shall engage in alarm system, general low voltag e system, or586 telecommunications system low voltage contracting unless such person has a valid license587 issued by the division.588 (c) No individual, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall advertise,589 offer, bid, contract, or perform, for compensation, Low Voltage General (LV-G), Low590 Voltage Telecommunications (LV-T), Low Voltage Alarm (LV-A), or Low Voltage591 Unrestricted (LV-U) work in this state unless such individual or entity holds a valid low592 voltage contractor license issued by the division in the applicable classification.593 (d) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to engage594 in the business of low voltage contracting unless there is regu larly connected with such595 partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons, actively engaged596 in the performance of such business on a full-time basis and supervising the low voltage597 systems installation, repair, alteration, and service work of a ll employees of such598 partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, who hav e valid licenses issued to599 them as provided in this chapter; provided, however, that partners, officers, and employees600 of any individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements shall continue to be authorized601 to engage in the business of low voltage contracting under a license which was valid at the602 time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the d ate of such death. The603 division may, at its discretion, upon application by the low vo ltage contractor showing604 good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace period.605 (e) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure un der this Code section who606 satisfy the requirements of this Code section.607 (f) It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liabilit y companies, and corporations608 qualified under this chapter to notify the appropriate division within seven days of the609 severance of connection with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation610 of any person or persons upon whom such qualification rested.611 S. B. 553 - 24 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (g) Partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations having more than one office612 location from which low voltage contracting is performed shall have at least one person613 stationed in each branch office of such partnership, limited li ability company, or614 corporation who is engaged in the performance of low voltage contracting on a full-time615 basis; who is supervising the low voltage wiring systems installation, repair, alteration, and616 service work of all employees of such branch office locations; and who has a valid license617 issued as provided in this Code section.618 (h) Any individual seeking to obtain a state-wide Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-G619 license under the provisions of this chapter shall file a compl eted application with the620 division on a form prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established by the State621 Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:622 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;623 (2) Have completed at least one year of full-time experience p erforming low voltage624 wiring in general low voltage systems under the direct supervis ion of a licensed Low625 Voltage Class LV-U, LV-A, LV-T, or LV-G Contractor or another s tate equivalent626 contractor, which experience shall have been obtained within si x years immediately627 preceding the date of application, and which shall include:628 (A) The installation, alteration, service, or repair of power limited low voltage629 electrical systems, including, but not limited to, intercom, pu blic address, and sound630 systems, residential and commercial low voltage audio systems, low voltage lighting631 systems, including associated controls, transformers, and power supplies, and other632 general power limited low voltage wiring systems that do not co nstitute alarm or633 telecommunications systems; or634 (B) Completion of coursework in electronics or low voltage sys tems through an635 accredited technical college, university, or certificate program shall be credited toward636 the experience requirement for low voltage general (LV-G), base d on the actual637 instructional time completed, up to a maximum of six months;638 S. B. 553 - 25 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (3) Submit a signed affidavit from the supervising Low Voltage Class LV-U, LV-A,639 LV-T, or LV-G contractor(s), attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential640 requirements set forth in this subsection; and641 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section642 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the643 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration644 documentation for noncitizen applicants.645 (i) Any individual seeking to obtain a state-wide Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-T646 license under the provisions of this chapter shall file a compl eted application with the647 division on a form prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established by the State648 Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:649 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;650 (2) Have completed a minimum of three years of full-time experience performing low651 voltage wiring under the direct supervision of a licensed Low V oltage Class LV-U652 Contractor, a licensed Low Voltage Class LV-T Contractor, anoth er state equivalent653 contractor, or the general manager of a tier 2 local exchange company, as defined in Code654 Section 46-5-162, regardless of whether such general manager holds a Low Voltage Class655 LV-U or LV-T Contractor license, which experience shall have been obtained within six656 years immediately preceding the date of application and includes:657 (A) At least one year of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in general658 low voltage systems. Qualifying experience under this subsecti on shall include the659 installation, alteration, service, or repair of power limited l ow voltage electrical660 systems, including, but not limited to:661 (i) Intercom, public address, and sound systems;662 (ii) Residential and commercial low voltage audio systems;663 (iii) Low voltage lighting systems, including associated controls, transformers, and664 power supplies; and665 S. B. 553 - 26 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (iv) Other general power limited low voltage wiring systems th at do not constitute666 alarm or telecommunications systems; or667 (B) At least two years of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in668 telecommunications. Qualifying experience under this subsection may include work669 involving installation, configuration, testing, administration, management, maintenance,670 or repair of low voltage telecommunications systems, including, but not limited to, the671 following:672 (i) Telecommunications and communications systems, including v oice and data673 systems such as plain old telephone service, Voice over Interne t Protocol,674 telecommunications equipment connections, terminations, cross-connects, patching,675 and related infrastructure;676 (ii) Audio, video, and security systems, including residential and commercial audio677 and video systems, video surveillance systems, intercom systems , public address678 systems, access control systems, and power over ethernet based systems;679 (iii) Networked and wireless systems, including residential an d commercial Wi-Fi680 systems, local area or home area network based systems, internet protocol networking681 equipment such as routers, switches, hubs, and related devices, and distributed682 antenna systems for voice and data communications; and683 (iv) Fiber optic, commercial wireless, and other communications systems, including684 fiber optic system installation, termination, testing, and mana gement; commercial685 wireless systems such as cellular and private communications sy stems, and686 proprietary, specialized, or otherwise unregulated communications systems within the687 scope of low voltage work; or688 (C) Completion of coursework in electronics or low voltage sys tems through an689 accredited technical college, university, or certificate program shall be credited toward690 the experience requirement for low voltage general (LV-G), base d on the actual691 instructional time completed, up to a maximum of six months;692 S. B. 553 - 27 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (3) Submit a signed affidavit from the supervising Low Voltage Class LV-U or LV-T693 contractor(s), or the general manager of a tier 2 local exchange company, as defined in694 Code Section 46-5-162, regardless of whether such general manager holds a Low Voltage695 Class LV-U or LV-T Contractor license, attesting to the applica nt's completion of the696 experiential requirements set forth in this subsection; and697 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section698 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the699 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration700 documentation for noncitizen applicants.701 (j) Any individual seeking to obt ain a state-wide Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-A702 license under the provisions of this chapter shall file a compl eted application with the703 division on a form prescribed by the division, shall pay the required fees established by the704 State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and shall meet the following requirements:705 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;706 (2) Have completed a minimum of three years of full-time experience performing low707 voltage wiring under the direct supervision of a licensed Low V oltage Class LV-U or708 LV-A Contractor, or another state equivalent contractor, which experience shall have709 been obtained within six years immediately preceding the date o f application and710 includes:711 (A) At least one year of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in general712 systems. Qualifying experience under this subsection shall inc lude the installation,713 alteration, service, or repair of power limited low voltage electrical systems, including,714 but not limited to:715 (i) Intercom, public address, and sound systems;716 (ii) Residential and commercial low voltage audio systems;717 (iii) Low voltage lighting systems, including associated controls, transformers, and718 power supplies; and719 S. B. 553 - 28 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (iv) Other general power limited low voltage wiring systems th at do not constitute720 alarm or telecommunications systems;721 (B) At least two years of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in alarm722 systems. Qualifying experience under this paragraph shall include work involving the723 installation, configuration, testing, administration, management, maintenance, or repair724 of the following alarm systems and related technologies:725 (i) Life safety alarm systems, including any alarm system desi gned, intended, or726 configured to transmit life safety related alarm events to a central monitoring station727 or other supervising entity;728 (ii) Alarm system communication pathways, including the utilization of approved and729 recognized transmission methods such as analog telephone lines, cellular networks,730 internet based protocols, Voice over Internet Protocol, or othe r comparable731 communication technologies; and732 (iii) Alarm system planning and lifecycle activities, including the planning, design,733 engineering, installation, programming, testing, inspection, se rvicing, repair, and734 ongoing maintenance of proprietary or open-source alarm systems; and735 (C) Completion of coursework in electronics or low voltage sys tems through an736 accredited technical college, university, or certificate program shall be credited toward737 the experience requirement for low voltage general (LV-G), base d on the actual738 instructional time completed, up to a maximum of six months;739 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from the supervising Low Voltage Class LV-U or LV-A740 contractor(s) attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements set741 forth in this subsection; and742 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section743 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the744 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration745 documentation for noncitizen applicants.746 S. B. 553 - 29 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (k) Any individual seeking to obtain a state-wide Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U747 license under the provisions of this chapter shall file a compl eted application with the748 division on a form prescribed by the division, shall pay the required fees established by the749 State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and shall meet the following requirements:750 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;751 (2) Have completed a minimum of four years of full-time experi ence performing low752 voltage wiring under the direct supervision of a licensed Low V oltage Class LV-U753 Contractor, another state equivalent contractor, or the general manager of a tier 2 local754 exchange company, as defined in Code Section 46-5-162, regardle ss of whether such755 general manager holds a Low Voltage Class LV-U Contractor license, which experience756 shall have been obtained within six years immediately preceding the date of application,757 and also includes:758 (A) At least one year of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in general759 systems. Qualifying experience under this subsection shall inc lude the installation,760 alteration, service, or repair of power limited low voltage electrical systems, including,761 but not limited to:762 (i) Intercom, public address, and sound systems;763 (ii) Residential and commercial low voltage audio systems;764 (iii) Low voltage lighting systems, including associated controls, transformers, and765 power supplies; and766 (iv) Other general power limited low voltage wiring systems th at do not constitute767 alarm or telecommunications systems;768 (B) At least one year of full-time experience performing low v oltage wiring in769 telecommunications. Qualifying experience under this paragraph shall include work770 involving installation, configuration, testing, administration, management, maintenance,771 or repair of low voltage telecommunications systems, including, but not limited to, the772 following:773 S. B. 553 - 30 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (i) Telecommunications and communications systems, including v oice and data774 systems such as plain old telephone service, Voice over Interne t Protocol,775 telecommunications equipment connections, terminations, cross-connects, patching,776 and related infrastructure;777 (ii) Audio, video, and security systems, including residential and commercial audio778 and video systems, video surveillance systems, intercom systems , public address779 systems, access control systems, and Power over Ethernet based systems;780 (iii) Networked and wireless systems, including residential an d commercial Wi-Fi781 systems, local area or home area network based systems, Interne t Protocol 782 networking equipment such as routers, switches, hubs, and relat ed devices, and783 distributed antenna systems for voice and data communications; and784 (iv) Fiber optic, commercial wireless, and other communications systems, including785 fiber optic system installation, termination, testing, and mana gement; commercial786 wireless systems such as cellular and private communications sy stems; and787 proprietary, specialized, or otherwise unregulated communications systems within the788 scope of low voltage work;789 (C) At least two years of full-time experience performing low voltage wiring in alarm790 systems. Qualifying experience under this paragraph shall include work involving the791 installation, configuration, testing, administration, management, maintenance, or repair792 of the following alarm systems and related technologies:793 (i) Life safety alarm systems, including any alarm system desi gned, intended, or794 configured to transmit life safety related alarm events to a central monitoring station795 or other supervising entity;796 (ii) Alarm system communication pathways, including the utilization of approved and797 recognized transmission methods such as analog telephone lines, cellular networks,798 internet based protocols, Voice over Internet Protocol, or othe r comparable799 communication technologies; and800 S. B. 553 - 31 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (iii) Alarm system planning and lifecycle activities, including the planning, design,801 engineering, installation, programming, testing, inspection, se rvicing, repair, and802 ongoing maintenance of proprietary or open-source alarm systems; and803 (D) Completion of coursework in electronics or low voltage sys tems through an804 accredited technical college, university, or certificate program shall be credited toward805 the experience requirement for low voltage general (LV-G), base d on the actual806 instructional time completed, up to a maximum of six months;807 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from the supervising Low Voltage Contractor Class LV-U,808 or the general manager of a tier 2 local exchange company, as defined in Code Section809 46-5-162, regardless of whether such general manager holds a Low Voltage Class LV-U810 Contractor license, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements811 set forth in this paragraph; and812 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section813 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the814 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration815 documentation for noncitizen applicants.816 (l) An application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and817 authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal818 background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State for819 licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information necessary820 to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of821 fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance822 of such background check.823 (m) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the824 absence of fraud, be conclusive. All individuals, individuals serving as partners in825 partnerships, applicants for limited liability companies, or ap plicants for corporations826 S. B. 553 - 32 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS desiring to engage in the vocation of low voltage contracting shall be licensed under this827 Code section before engaging in such vocation.828 (n) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and829 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limit ed to, license denial,830 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement831 action authorized by the division.832 43-14-10.833 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means th e Division of Utility834 Contractors.835 (b)(1) No person shall engage in utility contracting unless such person has a valid license836 issued by the division.837 (2) A person that is not licen sed as a utility c ontractor shal l be prohibited from838 advertising in any manner that such person is in the business o r profession of utility839 contracting unless the work is performed by a licensed electrical contractor.840 (c) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure un der this Code section who841 satisfy the requirements in this Code section.842 (d) Any utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter shall843 be authorized to bid for and perform work on any utility system in this state without844 obtaining a license under Chapter 41 of this title. It shall b e unlawful for the owner of a845 utility system or anyone soliciting work to be performed on a u tility system to refuse to846 allow a utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter to bid847 for or perform work on a utility system on the basis that such contractor does not hold a848 license under Chapter 41 of this title.849 (e) Any company which holds a valid utility contractor's licen se shall be qualified to850 construct, alter, or repair any plumbing system which extends from the property line up to851 but not within five feet of any building, structure, or conveyance, regardless of the cost or852 S. B. 553 - 33 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS depth of any such plumbing system; provided, however, that only persons who hold a valid853 license to engage in plumbing under this chapter shall be quali fied to construct, alter, or854 repair any plumbing system within five feet of any building, structure, or conveyance.855 (f)(1) No sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation shall have the right to engage856 in the business of utility contracting unless:857 (A) Such business holds a utility contractor license; and858 (B) There is regularly connected with such business a person o r persons who hold a859 valid utility manager certificate issued under this chapter, and such utility manager must860 be actively engaged in the performance of such business on a full-time basis and must861 oversee the utility contracting work of all employees of the business.862 (2) If a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation has more than one permanent863 office, then each permanent office shall be registered with the division and at least one864 person who holds a valid utility manager certificate issued und er this chapter shall be865 stationed in each office on a full-time basis and shall oversee the utility contracting work866 of all employees of that office.867 (3) The requirements of this Code section shall not prevent any person holding a valid868 license issued by the State Construction Industry Licensing Boa rd, or any division869 thereof, pursuant to this chapter, from performing any work defined in the Code section870 or sections under which the license held by said person was issued.871 (g) Any corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship desir ing to qualify for and be872 issued a utility contractor license under the provisions of thi s Code section shall file an873 application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, pay the application fee874 established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following875 requirements:876 (1) Submit a completed application to the division on the form provided indicating:877 (A) The names and addresses of proprietor, partners, or officers of such applicant;878 S. B. 553 - 34 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (B) The place and date such partnership was formed, or such co rporation was879 incorporated;880 (C) The address of each permanent office location of the business registered with the881 division, defined under this article as a place of business whe re utility contracting is882 undertaken from in terms of bid or proposed acquisition, procur ement, utility883 construction, is not a temporary structure, has permanent utilities installed, and has been884 in service for a period of more than three years;885 (D) The name and certification number of the qualifying utilit y manager holding a886 current utility manager certificate issued under this chapter w ho is employed at each887 permanent office location of the business from which utility contracting is performed;888 and889 (E) If the applicant operates more than one permanent office location, the name of the890 qualifying utility manager holding a current utility manager certificate issued under this891 chapter who is employed on a full-time basis at each permanent office location of the892 business from which utility contracting is performed; and893 (2) Submit a written safety policy that meets the minimum standards established by the894 board and the United States Department of Labor Occupational Sa fety and Health895 Administration.896 (h) An application for licensure under this Code section shall constitute express consent897 and authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her repr esentative to perform a898 criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary899 of State for licensure or a permit agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all900 information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to,901 classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated902 with the performance of such background check.903 (i) The decision of the division as to the qualifications of applicants shall, in the absence904 of fraud, be conclusive.905 S. B. 553 - 35 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (j) It shall be the duty of t he utility manager certificate holders and the licensed utility906 contractor to notify the division, in accordance with board rul es, of the severance of907 connection between such utility contractor and the utility mana ger certificate holder or908 holders upon whom the qualification of the utility contractor rested.909 (k) In the event that a li censed utility contractor temporaril y does not have employed a910 utility manager certificate holder to oversee its utility contr acting work, upon notice by911 such utility contractor to the division within seven days follo wing the last day of912 employment of the utility manager certificate holder, the divis ion shall grant the utility913 contractor a 90 day grace period in which to employ a utility manager certificate holder to914 oversee its utility contracting work before any action may be t aken by the division to915 revoke the utility contractor's license. The division may, at its discretion, upon application916 by the utility contractor showing good cause, grant one additio nal 90 day grace period. 917 Grace periods totaling not more than 180 days may be granted during any two-year period. 918 Failure to have employed a utility manager certificate holder t o oversee the utility919 contracting work of the utility contractor shall be grounds for the revocation or suspension920 of the utility contractor license after a notice of hearing.921 (l) It shall be unlawful for any person to contract with any o ther person for the922 performance of utility contracting work who is known by such person not to have a current,923 valid license as a utility contractor pursuant to this chapter.924 (m) It shall be unlawful for any person to violate the provisions of Chapter 9 of Title 25925 applicable to utility contractors.926 (n) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and927 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limit ed to, license denial,928 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement929 action authorized by the division.930 S. B. 553 - 36 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS 43-14-11.931 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means th e Division of Utility932 Contractors.933 (b) No person shall be employed as a utility manager unless suc h person holds a valid934 utility manager certificate issued by the division.935 (c) No utility system shall be constructed, erected, altered, or repaired unless a certified936 utility manager or certified utility foreman who holds a current certification is present at937 the job site of such construction, erection, alteration, or repair of the utility system.938 (d) The division shall certify all applicants for certification under this Code section who939 satisfy the requirements of this Code section.940 (e) Any individual seeking certification as a utility manager under the provisions of this941 chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by the942 division, pay the required fees established by the State Constr uction Industry Licensing943 Board, and meet the following requirements:944 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;945 (2) Submit proof of completion of 12 hours of board approved safety training courses,946 which shall include eight hours of Competent Person Training for Excavations and four947 hours of Competent Person Training for Confined Spaces;948 (3) Have completed a minimum of three years of full-time exper ience in the field,949 performing the construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility systems. Such950 experience shall be obtained as follows:951 (A) At least one year of full-time experience working under the supervision of a utility952 manager holding a valid certificate issued under this chapter, which experience shall953 qualify the applicant for certification as a utility foreman; and954 (B) At least two additional years of full-time experience obtained while holding a valid955 utility foreman certificate issued under this chapter;956 S. B. 553 - 37 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (4) Submit a signed affidavit from each utility manager who is employed by a utility957 contractor and who is or was the applicant's current or former employer, attesting to the958 applicant's completion of the experiential requirements set for th in this subsection. 959 Qualifying experience under this subsection shall be obtained through a combination of960 roles, including, but not limited to, supervisory, construction management, or utility961 operations positions in the field on a utility construction project, as well as:962 (A) Participation in the management of multiple utility construction projects, including963 scheduling work activities; coordinating labor, equipment, and materials; supporting964 field supervision; tracking productivity; and assisting with resolution of routine onsite965 issues during the course of the construction project;966 (B) Involvement in administering scopes of work or construction contracts; managing967 risks related to utility conflicts, permitting, inspections, tr affic control, and public968 safety; and ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration969 requirements and applicable federal, state, and local regulations;970 (C) Implementation and enforcement of safety procedures, inclu ding excavation,971 trenching, and confined space entry requirements; participation in safety programs,972 conducting or participating in daily job safety analyses and safety meetings, reporting973 incidents, near misses, and hazards; and ensuring proper use of required personal974 protective equipment;975 (D) Supervision or lead responsibility for utility personnel, including training,976 assigning duties, evaluating performance, monitoring safe operation of equipment, and977 administering discipline in accordance with established policies;978 (E) Assisting with review of construction plans, utility maps, and job specifications;979 identifying underground and overhead utilities; verifying permi ts, locates, and980 clearances; and coordinating activities with project managers, engineers, inspectors, and981 utility representatives;982 S. B. 553 - 38 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (F) Assisting with planning crew assignments, equipment needs, and work schedules;983 coordinating material delivery and staging; inspecting material s and equipment for984 damage or irregularities; reporting findings; and participating in the proper use and985 routine maintenance of heavy equipment;986 (G) Participating in the installation of water, sewer, gas, el ectrical, and987 telecommunications utility systems installed on a fee-for-servi ce basis, including988 bedding, backfill, compaction, and erosion and sediment control measures, in989 accordance with project specifications and utility standards;990 (H) Inspecting work for compliance with plans and specifications under supervision;991 assisting with daily logs, production reports, and as-built doc umentation; and992 documenting utility locations and field changes; and993 (I) Communicating job site conditions, safety concerns, and wo rk progress to a994 supervising Utility Foreman or Utility Manager; and995 (5) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section996 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, and submit an a ffidavit verifying lawful997 presence in the United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, t o g e t h e r w i t h a n y998 required immigration documentation for noncitizen applicants.999 (f) Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and1000 authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal1001 background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State for1002 licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information necessary1003 to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of1004 fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance1005 of such background check.1006 (g) An applicant may request an oral administration of the examination.1007 (h) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the1008 absence of fraud, be conclusive.1009 S. B. 553 - 39 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (i) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and1010 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limit ed to, license denial,1011 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement1012 action authorized by the division.1013 43-14-12.1014 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means th e Division of Utility1015 Contractors.1016 (b) No person shall be employed as a utility foreman unless su ch person holds a valid1017 current utility foreman certificate issued by the division.1018 (c) The division shall certify all applicants for certification under this Code section who1019 satisfy the requirements of this Code section.1020 (d) No utility system shall be constructed, erected, altered, or repaired unless a certified1021 utility manager or certified utility foreman who holds a current certification is present at1022 the job site of such construction, erection, alteration, or repair of the utility system.1023 (e) Any individual seeking certification as a utility foreman under the provisions of this1024 chapter shall file an application with the division on a form prescribed by the division, pay1025 the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, and meet1026 the following requirements:1027 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;1028 (2) Have completed at least one year of full-time experience in the field performing the1029 construction, erection, alteration, or repair of utility systems under the supervision of a1030 licensed Utility Manager;1031 (3) Submit proof of completion of 12 hours of board approved safety training courses,1032 which shall include eight hours of Competent Person Training for Excavations and four1033 hours of Competent Person Training for Confined Spaces; and1034 S. B. 553 - 40 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (4) Provide a signed affidavit by a current or former employer attesting to the completion1035 of experiential requirements. Each employer who oversaw the co mpletion of projects1036 which satisfied the experiential requirements shall provide the ir own signed affidavit. 1037 Qualifying experience under this subsection shall be obtained through a combination of1038 roles, including, but not limited to, crew member, lead worker, assistant foreman, utility1039 operations, construction support, or other field based positions, provided the work was1040 performed under the required supervision, and shall include:1041 (A) Assisting with review of construction plans, utility maps, and job specifications,1042 identifying underground and overhead utilities, coordinating ac tivities with project1043 managers, engineers, inspectors, and utility representatives, verifying permits, locates,1044 and clearances, and assisting with planning crew assignments, e quipment needs, and1045 work schedules;1046 (B) Participating in daily job safety analyses and safety meetings, performing work in1047 compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration s tandards and1048 applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including traffic control requirements,1049 working in properly protected trenches, participating in confined space entry activities,1050 using required personal protective equipment, and reporting incidents, near misses, and1051 hazards;1052 (C) Assisting with supervision of utility crews, monitoring sa fe operation of1053 equipment, supporting productivity tracking and daily work coordination, and assisting1054 with resolution of routine onsite issues;1055 (D) Assisting with coordination of material delivery and staging, inspecting materials1056 and equipment for damage or irregularities and reporting findings, and participating in1057 the proper use and routine maintenance of heavy equipment;1058 (E) Participating in the installation of water, sewer, gas, el ectrical, and1059 telecommunications utility systems installed on a fee-for-servi ce basis, including1060 S. B. 553 - 41 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS bedding, backfill, compaction, and erosion and sediment control measures, in1061 accordance with project specifications and utility standards;1062 (F) Inspecting work for compliance with plans and specifications under supervision,1063 assisting with daily logs, production reports, as-built documentation, and documenting1064 utility locations and field changes; and1065 (G) Communicating job site conditions, safety concerns, and wo r k p r o g r e s s t o a1066 supervising Utility Foreman or Utility Manager.1067 (f) An application for a certification under this Code section shall constitute express1068 consent and authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform1069 a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary1070 of State for certification agrees to provide the Secretary of S tate with any and all1071 information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to,1072 classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated1073 with the performance of such background check.1074 (g) An applicant may request an oral administration of the examination.1075 (h) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the1076 absence of fraud, be conclusive.1077 (i) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and1078 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limit ed to, license denial,1079 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement1080 action authorized by the division.1081 43-14-13.1082 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means the Division of Master Plumbers1083 and Journeyman.1084 (b) No person shall engage in plumbing contracting as a Master Plumber Class I or a1085 Master Plumber Class II unless such person has a valid license issued by the division.1086 S. B. 553 - 42 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (c) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who holds a valid1087 license as a Master Plumber Class I or a Master Plumber Class II or any company which1088 holds a valid utility contractor license shall be qualified to construct, alter, or repair any1089 plumbing system which extends from the property line up to but not within five feet of any1090 building, structure, or conveyance, regardless of the cost or d epth of any such plumbing1091 system; provided, however, that only persons who hold a valid l icense to engage in1092 plumbing under this chapter shall be qualified to construct, alter, or repair any plumbing1093 system within five feet of any building, structure, or conveyance.1094 (d) A person that is not licensed as a Master Plumber Class I or a Master Plumber Class1095 II shall be prohibited from advertising in any manner that such person is in the business or1096 profession of plumbing contracting.1097 (e) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to engage1098 in the business of plumbing unless there is regularly connected with such partnership,1099 limited liability company, or corporation a person actively engaged in the performance of1100 such business on a full-time basis who has a valid license as a Master Plumber Class I or1101 a Master Plumber Class II; provided, however, that partners, officers, and employees of any1102 individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements shall conti nue to be authorized to1103 engage in the business of plumbing contracting under a license which was valid at the time1104 of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the date o f such death. The division1105 may, at its discretion, upon application by the plumbing contractor showing good cause,1106 grant one additional 90 day grace period.1107 (f) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure un der this Code section who1108 satisfy the requirements of this Code section.1109 (g) It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liabilit y companies, and corporations1110 qualified under this chapter to notify the appropriate division within seven days of the1111 severance of connection with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation1112 of any person or persons upon whom such qualification rested.1113 S. B. 553 - 43 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (h) Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and1114 authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal1115 background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State for1116 licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information necessary1117 to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of1118 fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance1119 of such background check.1120 (i) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the1121 absence of fraud, be conclusive.1122 (j) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a journeyman plumber under the provisions1123 of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by1124 the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing1125 Board, and meet the following requirements:1126 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;1127 (2) Have completed one year of full-time experience performing plumbing work of a1128 type covered by the state minimum standard plumbing code, regardless of whether such1129 code applied to the work in the area or at the time such work w as performed by the1130 applicant. Qualifying experience under this paragraph shall be obtained under the1131 supervision of a licensed Master Plumber Class I or a Master Plumber Class II and shall1132 include participation in plumbing work demonstrating practical competency in the1133 following areas, as applicable to the scope of licensure requested and consistent with the1134 requirements of this paragraph:1135 (A) Installation, maintenance, alteration, service, or repair of plumbing systems,1136 including potable water supply and distribution systems; sanita ry, waste, storm1137 drainage, and venting systems; plumbing fixtures and equipment; and fuel gas piping1138 systems and fuel-gas-fired appliances, including piping downstream of the gas meter1139 or storage tank;1140 S. B. 553 - 44 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (B) Plumbing system layout, pipe sizing, material selection, i nspection, testing,1141 diagnosing, and troubleshooting of plumbing and fuel gas system s, including the1142 application of applicable plumbing codes, standards, and manufa cturer installation1143 requirements, performed under appropriate supervision;1144 (C) Application of safe work practices, including job site and trench safety, confined1145 space awareness, fall protection, lockout and tagout procedures , and the proper1146 selection and use of personal protective equipment;1147 (D) Performance of supporting plumbing related work directly a ssociated with the1148 installation, alteration, service, or repair of plumbing system s, including support of1149 plumbing system components, trenching, excavation, and backfilling, material handling1150 and staging, demolition and general labor, operation of tools or equipment commonly1151 used in plumbing work, assisting licensed plumbers, and installation of pipe and tubing1152 supports, including hangers, strut, supports, and bracing; and1153 (E) Full-time employment as an estimator or project manager for a Class I or Class II1154 Master Plumbing Contractor, where such employment involves regu lar exposure to1155 plumbing systems, plans, specifications, and job site coordination;1156 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from the licensed Master Plumber C l a s s I o r M a s t e r1157 Plumber Class II who supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as1158 a current or former employer, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential1159 requirements set forth in this subsection. When the applicant's qualifying experience was1160 obtained under the supervision of more than one such individual , a separate signed1161 affidavit shall be submitted by each individual who supervised or oversaw the applicable1162 portion of the applicant's experience; and1163 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section1164 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the1165 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration1166 documentation for noncitizen applicants.1167 S. B. 553 - 45 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (k) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a Master Plumber Class I under the provisions1168 of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by1169 the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing1170 Board, and meet the following requirements:1171 (1) Successfully pass the board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;1172 (2) Have completed a minimum of four years of full-time experience in plumbing work1173 as would be covered by items of the Georgia State Plumbing Code, at least three years1174 of which shall have been performed while licensed as a Journeyman Plumber under this1175 chapter; provided, however, that an applicant licensed as a Journeyman Plumber under1176 this chapter prior to March 1, 2025, shall be required to have completed one of such four1177 years while licensed as a Journeyman Plumber. Qualifying exper ience under this1178 subsection shall include participation in plumbing work demonst rating practical1179 competency, as applicable to the scope of licensure requested a nd consistent with the1180 requirements of this paragraph. Such experience shall be obtained under the supervision1181 of a licensed master plumber; provided, however, that for licensure as a Statewide Master1182 Plumber Class I, qualifying experience shall be limited to plum bing work performed1183 within the restricted scope of practice applicable to a Master Plumber Class I, as defined1184 in this chapter. Such qualifying experience includes, but is not limited to:1185 (A) Installation, maintenance, alteration, service, or repair of plumbing systems,1186 including potable water supply and distribution systems, sanita ry, waste, storm1187 drainage, and venting systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment, and fuel gas piping1188 systems and fuel-gas-fired appliances, including piping downstream of the gas meter1189 or storage tank, and piping downstream of any municipal or county water meter from1190 the point of service connection and extending into and througho ut the building or1191 structure served;1192 (B) Plumbing system layout, pipe sizing, material selection, i nspection, testing,1193 diagnosing, and troubleshooting of plumbing and fuel gas system s, including the1194 S. B. 553 - 46 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS application of applicable plumbing codes, standards, and manufa cturer installation1195 requirements, performed under appropriate supervision;1196 (C) Application of safe work practices, including job site and trench safety, confined1197 space awareness, fall protection, lockout and tagout procedures , and the proper1198 selection and use of personal protective equipment;1199 (D) Performance of supporting plumbing related work directly a ssociated with the1200 installation, alteration, service, or repair of plumbing system s, including support of1201 plumbing system components; trenching, excavation, and backfilling; material handling1202 and staging, demolition and general labor, operation of tools or equipment commonly1203 used in plumbing work, assisting licensed plumbers, and installation of pipe and tubing1204 supports, including hangers, strut, supports, and bracing; and1205 (E) Full-time employment as an estimator or project manager fo r a Master Plumber1206 Class I or Master Plumber Class II, where such employment involves regular exposure1207 to plumbing systems, plans, specifications, and job site coordination;1208 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from any licensed Master Plumber Class I or Master1209 Plumber Class II who supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as1210 a current or former employer, attesting to the applicant's comp letion of the primary1211 experiential requirements set forth in this subsection. When t he applicant's qualifying1212 full-time experience was obtained under the supervision of more than one such1213 individual, a separate signed affidavit shall be submitted by e ach individual who1214 supervised or oversaw the applicable portion of the applicant's experience; and1215 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section1216 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the1217 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration1218 documentation for noncitizen applicants.1219 (l) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a Master Plumber Class II under the provisions1220 of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form prescribed by1221 S. B. 553 - 47 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS the division, pay the required fees established by the State Construction Industry Licensing1222 Board, and meet the following requirements:1223 (1) Successfully pass the board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;1224 (2) Have completed a minimum of five years of full-time experience in plumbing work1225 as would be covered by items of the state minimum standard plumbing code, with at least1226 four of the five years being licensed as a Journeyman Plumber; provided, however, that1227 an applicant licensed as a Journeyman Plumber under this chapter prior to March 1, 2025,1228 shall be required to have completed two of such five years whil e licensed as a1229 Journeyman Plumber. Qualifying experience under this subsectio n shall include1230 participation in plumbing work demonstrating practical competen cy in the following1231 areas, as applicable to the scope of licensure requested and co nsistent with the1232 requirements of this paragraph. Such experience shall be obtained under the supervision1233 of a licensed master plumber; provided, however, that for licensure as a Master Plumber1234 Class II, not less than two years of the required experience sh all have been obtained1235 performing plumbing work within the unrestricted scope of pract ice applicable to a1236 Master Plumber Class II, as defined in this chapter:1237 (A) Participation in the installation, maintenance, alteration , service, or repair of1238 plumbing systems, including potable water supply and distribution systems, sanitary,1239 waste, storm drainage, and venting systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment, and fuel1240 gas piping systems and fuel-gas-fired appliances, including piping downstream of the1241 gas meter or storage tank, and piping downstream of any municip al or county water1242 meter from the point of service connection and extending into a nd throughout the1243 building or structure served;1244 (B) Involvement in plumbing system layout, pipe sizing, materi al selection, and1245 installation methods, performed under appropriate supervision where required;1246 S. B. 553 - 48 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (C) Participation in the inspection, testing, troubleshooting, and correction of plumbing1247 and fuel gas systems, including verification of system performa nce and compliance1248 with applicable plumbing codes, standards, and manufacturer installation requirements;1249 (D) Implementation and application of safe work practices, inc luding job site and1250 trench safety, confined space awareness, fall protection, lockout and tagout procedures,1251 and the proper selection and use of personal protective equipment; and1252 (E) Supervision or lead responsibility for plumbing personnel, including training,1253 assignment of duties, oversight of work quality, and enforcemen t of safety and code1254 compliance requirements;1255 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from any licensed Master Plumber Class I or Master1256 Plumber Class II who supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as1257 a current or former employer, attesting to the applicant's comp letion of the primary1258 experiential requirements set forth in this subsection. When t he applicant's qualifying1259 experience was obtained under the supervision of more than one such individual, a1260 separate signed affidavit shall be submitted by each individual who supervised or1261 oversaw the applicable portion of the applicant's experience; and1262 (4) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section1263 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the1264 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration1265 documentation for noncitizen applicants.1266 (m) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and1267 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limit ed to, license denial,1268 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement1269 action authorized by the division.1270 S. B. 553 - 49 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS 43-14-14.1271 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'division' means the Division of Conditioned Air1272 Contractors.1273 (b) No person shall engage in conditioned air contracting unless such person has a valid1274 license issued by the division.1275 (c) The division shall certify all applicants for licensure un der this Code section who1276 satisfy the requirements of this Code section.1277 (d) A person that is not licensed as a conditioned air contractor shall be prohibited from1278 advertising in any manner that such person is in the business or profession of a conditioned1279 air contractor unless the work is performed by a licensed conditioned air contractor.1280 (e) No partnership, limited liability company, or corporation shall have the right to engage1281 in the business of conditioned air contracting unless there is regularly connected with such1282 partnership, limited liability company, or corporation a person or persons actively engaged1283 in the performance of such business on a full-time basis who have valid licenses issued to1284 them as provided for in this chapter; provided, however, that p artners, officers, and1285 employees of the individual who fulfilled the licensing requirements shall continue to be1286 authorized to engage in the business of conditioned air contracting under a license which1287 was valid at the time of the licensee's death for a period of 90 days from the date of such1288 death. The division may, at its discretion, upon application b y the conditioned air1289 contractor showing good cause, grant one additional 90 day grace period.1290 (f) Partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations having more than one office1291 location from which conditioned air contracting is performed shall have at least one person1292 stationed in each branch office of such partnership, limited li ability company, or1293 corporation who is engaged in the performance of conditioned air contracting on a full-time1294 basis who is supervising the installation, repair, alteration, and service work of air1295 conditioning and heating systems of all employees of such branch office locations; and who1296 has a valid license issued as provided in this Code section.1297 S. B. 553 - 50 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (g) It shall be the duty of all partnerships, limited liabilit y companies, and corporations1298 qualified under this chapter to notify the appropriate division within seven days of the1299 severance of connection with such partnership, limited liability company, or corporation1300 of any person or persons upon whom such qualification rested.1301 (h) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a Conditioned Air Contractor Class I under1302 the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form1303 prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established b y the State Construction1304 Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:1305 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;1306 (2) Have completed a minimum of years of full-time experience performing conditioned1307 air work of a type covered by the state minimum standard codes, regardless of whether1308 such code applied to the work in the area or at the time such work was performed by the1309 applicant;1310 (A) Qualifying experience under this subsection shall consist o f t w o y e a r s o f1311 residential installation experience as a lead mechanic, one year as a service technician,1312 one year of residential supervisory experience; and1313 (B) An applicant shall receive credit toward the experience requirements of this section1314 based on the actual instructional time completed in relevant co ursework, meaning1315 coursework directly related to the scope of licensure requested , provided that such1316 credit shall not exceed two years for completion of a technical school or technical1317 college diploma program in air conditioning technology, engineering, or engineering1318 technology from an i nstitution accredited by an accrediting bod y recognized by the1319 division, or one year for completion of a vocational-technical school certificate program1320 from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the division;1321 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from any licensed architect, licensed professional engineer,1322 public building official or building inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor who1323 directly supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as a current or1324 S. B. 553 - 51 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS former employer, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements1325 set forth in this Code section. When the applicant's qualifying experience was obtained1326 under the supervision of more than one such individual, a separate signed affidavit shall1327 be submitted by each individual who supervised or oversaw the applicable portion of the1328 applicant's experience;1329 (4) Complete the Type II Federal Environmental Protection Agen cy Section 6081330 Technician Certification;1331 (5) Complete a board approved heat loss and gain and duct design course; and1332 (6) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section1333 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, and submit an a ffidavit verifying lawful1334 presence in the United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, t o g e t h e r w i t h a n y1335 required immigration documentation for noncitizen applicants.1336 (i) Any individual seeking to be licensed as a Conditioned Air Contractor Class II under1337 the provisions of this chapter shall file a completed application with the division on a form1338 prescribed by the division, pay the required fees established b y the State Construction1339 Industry Licensing Board, and meet the following requirements:1340 (1) Successfully pass a board approved examination with a minimum score of 70;1341 (2)(A) Have completed a minimum of five years of full-time exp erience performing1342 conditioned air work covered by the state minimum standard code s, regardless of1343 whether such code applied to the work in the area or at the tim e such work was1344 performed by the applicant. Qualifying experience under this subsection shall consist1345 of two years of commercial supervisory experience, one year as a service technician or1346 service supervisor, and two years of installation as a lead mechanic with at least one of1347 the years being commercial only, installing conditioned air systems that exceed a net1348 175,000 BTU of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling.1349 (B) An applicant shall receive credit toward the experience requirements of this Code1350 section based on the actual instructional time completed in rel evant coursework,1351 S. B. 553 - 52 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS meaning coursework directly related to the scope of licensure requested, provided that1352 such credit shall not exceed two years for completion of a technical school or technical1353 college diploma program in air conditioning technology, engineering, or engineering1354 technology from an institution accredited by an accrediting bod y recognized by the1355 division, or one year for completion of a vocational-technical school certificate program1356 from an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the division;1357 (3) Submit a signed affidavit from a licensed architect, licensed professional engineer,1358 public building official or building inspector, or licensed conditioned air contractor who1359 directly supervised or otherwise oversaw the applicant's work, whether as a current or1360 former employer, attesting to the applicant's completion of the experiential requirements1361 set forth in this subsection. When the applicant's qualifying experience was obtained1362 under the supervision of more than one such individual, a separate signed affidavit shall1363 be submitted by each individual who supervised or oversaw the applicable portion of the1364 applicant's experience;1365 (4) Complete the Type II and Type III Federal Environmental Protection Agency Section1366 608 Technician Certification;1367 (5) Complete a board approved heat loss and gain and duct design course; and1368 (6) Submit at least one secure and verifiable document, as def ined in Code Section1369 50-36-2, establishing the applicant's identity, an affidavit verifying lawful presence in the1370 United States pursuant to Code Section 50-36-1, and any require d immigration1371 documentation for noncitizen applicants.1372 (j) Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and1373 authorization for the Secretary of State or his or her representative to perform a criminal1374 background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the Secretary of State 1375 for licensure agrees to provide the Secretary of State with any and all information1376 necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but no t limited to, classifiable1377 S. B. 553 - 53 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for a ll fees associated with the1378 performance of such background check.1379 (k) The decision of the division regarding the qualifications of licensure shall, in the1380 absence of fraud, be conclusive. All individuals, individuals serving as partners in1381 partnerships, applicants for limited liability companies, or ap plicants for corporations1382 desiring to engage in conditioned air contracting shall be licensed under this Code section1383 before engaging in such vocation and business, including at the local level.1384 (l) Any person or entity violating this Code section shall be subject to discipline and1385 penalties as provided in this chapter, including, but not limit ed to, license denial,1386 suspension, revocation, administrative fines, injunction, or any other lawful enforcement1387 action authorized by the division.1388 43-14-15.1389 Whenever it shall appear to a division of the board or to the e xecutive director or to a1390 county or municipal inspection authority that any person is or has been violating this1391 chapter or any of the lawful rules, regulations, or orders of t he board, the division of the1392 board, the local inspection authority, or the appropriate prose cuting attorney may file a1393 petition for an injunction in the proper superior court of this state against such person for1394 the purpose of enjoining any such violation. It shall not be necessary to allege or prove that1395 there is no adequate remedy at law. The right of injunction pr ovided for in this Code1396 section shall be in addition to any other legal remedy which the board has and shall be in1397 addition to any right of criminal prosecution provided for by law.1398 43-14-16.1399 (a) Any municipal or county inspection authority which meets the standards established1400 by the board shall be authorized, after notice and hearing, to suspend the license or1401 certification, or refuse to restore a license or certification to any person or licensee upon1402 S. B. 553 - 54 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS the grounds set out in paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-14-6; provided,1403 however, that such suspension of a license by a local inspectio n authority shall be1404 applicable only within the jurisdiction of such local authority. Any person aggrieved by1405 an action of a local authority shall be entitled to an appeal to the appropriate division of the1406 board and a hearing.1407 (b)(1) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit the governing authority1408 of any county or municipality in the state from adopting and enforcing codes at the local1409 level; provided, however, that no county or municipality may re quire any licensed1410 conditioned air contractor or licensed plumber who has executed and deposited a bond1411 as authorized in paragraph (2) of this subsection to give or furnish or execute any code1412 compliance bond or similar bond for the purpose of ensuring tha t all construction,1413 installation, or modifications are made or completed in complia nce with the county or1414 municipal ordinances or building and construction codes.1415 (2) In order to protect the public from damages arising from a ny work by a licensed1416 conditioned air contractor or licensed plumber, which work fail s to comply with the1417 ordinances or building and construction codes adopted by any co unty or municipal1418 corporation, any such licensed conditioned air contractor or li censed plumber may1419 execute and deposit with the judge of the probate court in the county of his or her1420 principal place of business a bond in the sum of $10,000.00. Such bond shall be a cash1421 bond of $10,000.00 or executed by a surety authorized and qualified to write surety bonds1422 in the State of Georgia and shall be approved by the judge of t he probate court. Such1423 bond shall be conditioned upon all work done or supervised by such licensee complying1424 with the provisions of any ordinances or building and construction codes of any county1425 or municipal corporation wherein the work is performed. Action on such bond may be1426 brought against the principal and surety thereon in the name of and for the benefit of any1427 person who suffers damages as a consequence of said licensee's work not conforming to1428 the requirements of any ordinances or building and construction codes; provided,1429 S. B. 553 - 55 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS however, that the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons so damaged shall in no1430 event exceed the sum of such bond.1431 (3) In any case where a bond is required under this subsection , the conditioned air1432 contractor or plumber shall file a copy of the bond with the bu ilding official in the1433 political subdivision wherein the work is being performed.1434 (4) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to or af fect any bonding1435 requirements involving contracts for public works as provided in Chapter 10 of Title 13.1436 (c) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed as prohibi ting or preventing a1437 municipality or county from fixing, charging, assessing, or col lecting any license fee,1438 registration fee, tax, or gross receipt tax on any related business or on anyone engaged in1439 any related business governed by this chapter.1440 43-14-17.1441 (a) If a person is in violation Code Section 43-14-8, 43-14-9, 43-14-10, 43-14-13, or1442 43-14-14, it shall not be necessary for an investigator to observe or witness the unlicensed1443 person engaged illegally in the process of work or to show work in progress or work1444 completed in order to prove the unlawful practice of electrical contracting, low voltage1445 contracting, utility contracting, plumbing contracting, or conditioned air contracting, by an1446 unlicensed person.1447 (b) It shall be prima-facie evidence of a violation of this chapter if any person not licensed1448 as a conditioned air contractor, plumbing contractor, electrical contractor, utility contractor,1449 or low voltage contractor advertises that such person is in the business or profession of a1450 conditioned air contractor, plumbing contractor, electrical contractor utility contractor, or1451 low voltage contractor or advertises in a manner such that the general public would believe1452 that such person is a licensed conditioned air contractor or in the business or profession of1453 a conditioned air contractor, is a licensed plumbing contractor in the business or profession1454 of a plumbing contractor, or is a licensed electrical contractor in the business or profession1455 S. B. 553 - 56 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS of an electrical contractor, is a licensed utility contractor in the business or profession of1456 a utility contractor, or is a licensed low voltage contractor in the business or profession of1457 a low voltage contractor. Advertising under this subsection includes, but is not limited to,1458 newspaper, internet, social media and digital applications, tel evision, radio, telephone1459 directory listings, mailings, business cards, or signage at a place of business or attached to1460 a vehicle.1461 (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of Code Section 43-1-20.1, after notice and hearing,1462 the board may issue a cease and desist order prohibiting any pe rson from violating the1463 provisions of this chapter by engaging in the business or profe ssion of a conditioned air1464 contractor, plumbing contractor, electrical contractor, or low voltage contractor without a1465 license as required under this chapter or by constructing, erecting, altering, or repairing a1466 utility system without a properly certified utility manager or properly certified utility1467 foreman present at the job site.1468 (d) With respect to plumbing contracting, conditioned air cont racting, low voltage1469 contracting, and electrical contr acting, the violation of any c ease and desist order of the1470 board issued under subsection (c) of this Code section shall subject the person violating the1471 order to further proceedings before the board, and the board shall be authorized to impose1472 a fine not to exceed $1,500.00 for each violation thereof. Each day that a person practices1473 in violation of this Code section and chapter shall constitute a separate violation.1474 (e) With respect to utility contracting, the violation of any cease and desist order of the1475 board issued under subsection (c) of this Code section shall subject the person violating the1476 order to further proceedings before the board, and the board shall be authorized to impose1477 a fine not to exceed $5,000.00 for each violation thereof. Each day that a person practices1478 in violation of this Code section and chapter or constructs, erects, alters, or repairs a utility1479 system without a properly certified utility manager or properly certified utility foreman1480 present at such job site shall constitute a separate violation.1481 S. B. 553 - 57 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (f) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibi t the board from seeking1482 remedies otherwise available by statute without first seeking a cease and desist order in1483 accordance with the provisions of this Code section.1484 (g) Any person violating this chapter shall be guilty of a mis demeanor and, upon1485 conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned for not more than1486 six months, or both.1487 43-14-18.1488 (a) Every person holding a license issued by a division of the board shall display it in a1489 conspicuous manner at his or her place of business.1490 (b) All commercial vehicles used by licensees and certificate holders exclusively in the1491 daily operation of their business shall have prominently displayed thereon the company or1492 business registration or certificate number issued by the Secretary of State's office. Such1493 registration number or certificate number, or website address where such number can be1494 found, shall also be prominently displayed on any advertising r elating to work which a1495 licensee or certificate holder purports to have the capacity to perform. Said registration or1496 certificate number shall also be printed on all invoices and proposal forms.1497 43-14-19.1498 (a) This chapter shall apply to all installations, alterations , and repairs of plumbing, air1499 conditioning and heating, or electrical or low voltage wiring or utility systems within or on1500 public or private buildings, structures, or premises except as otherwise provided in this1501 Code section.1502 (b) Any person that holds a license issued under this chapter may engage in the business1503 of plumbing contracting, electrical contracting, conditioned ai r contracting, low voltage1504 contracting, or utility contracting but only as prescribed by the license, throughout the state;1505 and except as provided in Code Section 43-14-16, no municipality or county may require1506 S. B. 553 - 58 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS such person to comply with any additional licensing requirement s imposed by such1507 municipality or county.1508 (c) This chapter shall not apply to:1509 (1) The installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing, air conditioning and heating, utility1510 systems, or electrical services, except low voltage wiring serv ices, up to and including1511 the meters where such work is performed by and is an integral part of the system owned1512 or operated by a public service corporation, an electrical, water, or gas department of any1513 municipality in this state, a railroad company, a pipeline company, or a mining company1514 in the exercise of its normal function as such;1515 (2) Low voltage wiring performed by public utilities, except t hat the portion of the1516 business of public utilities which involves the installation, a lteration, repair, or service1517 of telecommunications systems for profit shall be covered under this chapter;1518 (3) The installation, construction, or maintenance of power sy stems or1519 telecommunications systems for the generation or distribution o f electric current1520 constructed under the National Electrical Safety Code, which re gulates the safety1521 requirements of utilities; but the interior wiring regulated by the National Electrical1522 Safety Code shall not be exempt and must be done by an electrical contractor, except as1523 otherwise provided by law; provided, however, that a tier 2 local exchange company, as1524 defined in Code Section 46-5-162, may perform low-voltage inter ior wiring without1525 licensure as an electrical contractor solely to the extent such wiring is necessary for the1526 installation, maintenance, repair, or operation of its own telecommunications systems and1527 network infrastructure. Such work shall be performed only by e mployees of the tier 21528 local exchange company and shall not include general electrical service work or1529 modification of building power distribution systems unrelated t o the provider's1530 telecommunications systems;1531 S. B. 553 - 59 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (4) Any technician employed by a municipal or county franchised community antenna1532 television (CATV) system or a municipally owned CATV system in the performance of1533 work on the system;1534 (5) Regular full-time employees of an institution, manufacturer, or business who perform1535 plumbing, electrical, low voltage wiring, utility contracting, or conditioned air contracting1536 when working on the premises of their employer;1537 (6) A contractor certified by the Department of Public Health to make the connection to1538 any on-site waste-water management system from the stub out exiting the structure to an1539 on-site waste-water management system;1540 (7) Any employee or authorized agent of a regulated gas utilit y or municipally owned1541 gas utility while in the course and scope of such employment; or1542 (8) Persons licensed as manufactured or mobile home installers by the state fire marshal1543 when:1544 (A) Coupling the electrical connection from the service entran ce panel outside the1545 manufactured housing to the distribution panel board inside the manufactured housing;1546 (B) Connecting the exterior sewer outlets to the aboveground sewer system; or1547 (C) Connecting the exterior water line to the aboveground water system.1548 (d) This chapter shall not prohibit:1549 (1) An individual from installi ng, altering, or repairing plum bing fixtures, air1550 conditioning and heating, air conditioning and heating fixtures , utility systems, or1551 electrical or low voltage wiring services in a residential dwelling owned or occupied by1552 such individual; provided, however, that all such work must be done in conformity with1553 all other provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations of the board, and any1554 applicable county or municipal resolutions, ordinances, codes, or inspection1555 requirements;1556 (2) An individual employed on the maintenance staff of a facility owned by the state or1557 by a county, municipality, or other political subdivision from installing, altering, or1558 S. B. 553 - 60 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS repairing plumbing, plumbing fixtures, air conditioning and hea ting fixtures, utility1559 systems, or electrical or low voltage wiring services when such work is an integral part1560 of the maintenance requirements of the facility; provided, howe ver, that all such work1561 must be done in conformity with all other provisions of this chapter and the orders, rules,1562 and regulations of the board;1563 (3) Any person from installing, altering, or repairing plumbin g, plumbing fixtures, air1564 conditioning and heating fixtures, utility systems, or electric al or low voltage wiring1565 services in a farm or ranch service building or as an integral part of any irrigation system1566 on a farm or ranch when such system is not located within 30 feet of any dwelling or any1567 building devoted to animal husbandry. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to1568 limit the application of any resolution, ordinance, code, or inspection requirements of a1569 county or municipality relating to such connections;1570 (4) Any person from installing, altering, or repairing the plumbing component of a lawn1571 sprinkler system from a backflow preventer which was installed by a licensed plumber;1572 provided, however, that all such work must be done in conformit y with all other1573 provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations of the board, and ordinances of the1574 county or municipality; or1575 (5) Any propane dealer that is properly insured as required by law and that holds a1576 liquefied petroleum gas license issued by the Safety Fire Commissioner from installing,1577 repairing, or servicing a propane system or the gas piping or components of such system;1578 provided, however, that such propane dealers shall be prohibite d from performing the1579 installation of conditioned air systems or forced air heating systems unless licensed to do1580 so under this chapter.1581 (e) Any person qualified by the Department of Transportation t o perform work for the1582 department shall not be required to be licensed under:1583 (1) Code Section 43-14-10 or certified under Code Sections 43-14-11 and 43-14-12 in1584 order to perform work for the department; or1585 S. B. 553 - 61 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (2) Code Section 43-14-10 or certified under Code Sections 43-14-11 and 43-14-12 in1586 order to perform work for a county, municipality, authority, or other political subdivision1587 when such work is of the same nature as that for which the pers on is qualified when1588 performing department work; provided, however, that such work is not performed on a1589 utility system as defined in Code Section 43-14-2 for which the person receives1590 compensation.1591 (f) Any person who contracts with a licensed conditioned air contractor:1592 (1) As part of a conditioned air contract to install, alter, or repair duct systems, control1593 systems, or insulation is not required to hold a license from the Division of Conditioned1594 Air Contractors. The conditioned air contractor must retain responsibility for completion1595 of the contract, including any subcontracted work;1596 (2) To perform a complete installation, alteration, or repair of a conditioned air system1597 must hold a valid license from the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors; or1598 (3) To perform for or on behalf of a conditioned air contractor the installation, alteration,1599 or repair of the electrical, low voltage, or plumbing component s of a conditioned air1600 system must hold a valid license from the appropriate division of the board.1601 (g) Any utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter shall1602 be authorized to bid for and perform work on any utility system in this state without1603 obtaining a license under Chapter 41 of this title. It shall b e unlawful for the owner of a1604 utility system or anyone soliciting work to be performed on a u tility system to refuse to1605 allow a utility contractor holding a valid utility contractor's license under this chapter to bid1606 for or perform work on a utility system on the basis that such contractor does not hold a1607 license under Chapter 41 of this title.1608 43-14-20.1609 (a) All licenses and certificates issued under this chapter shall be valid for a period of two1610 years and shall be subject to biennial renewal upon expiration.1611 S. B. 553 - 62 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS (b) All applications for renewal of a license or certificate shall be filed with the division1612 director prior to the expiration date, accompanied by the biennial renewal fee prescribed1613 by the board and certifying that all current requirements of co ntinuing education as1614 determined by the board have been fulfilled.1615 (c) Any person who fails to renew a license or certificate on or before its expiration date1616 may apply for late renewal during a period not to exceed 31 days immediately following1617 the expiration of the biennial license. Such application shall be submitted and shall include1618 the required renewal information and late renewal fee, as prescribed by the board.1619 (d) Any license or certificate that is not renewed on or before its expiration date or during1620 the late renewal period provided in subsection (c) of this Code section shall lapse and shall1621 not be in good standing unless reinstated pursuant to this Code section.1622 (e) If an application for reinstatement is submitted less than three years after the expiration1623 date of the license or certificate, the applicant shall submit a reinstatement application, the1624 required reinstatement fee, verification that the licensee or certificate holder has completed1625 the required continuing education requirements, and any other information, as prescribed1626 by the board.1627 (f) If an application for reinstatement is submitted more than three years after the1628 expiration date of a license or certificate, the applicant shall, in addition to satisfying the1629 applicable continuing education requirements, comply with any a dditional requirements1630 prescribed by the board or the appropriate division. Such requirements may include, when1631 applicable to the license or certificate sought, reexamination and the submission of an1632 affidavit attesting that the applicant meets the applicable experience requirements.1633 (g) Each division of the board is authorized to require individuals seeking renewal of any1634 license or certificate issued under this chapter to complete co ntinuing education courses1635 approved by that division.1636 (h) Each division may approve continuing education courses or programs offered within1637 or outside this state for licensees and certificate holders, su bject to reasonable,1638 S. B. 553 - 63 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS nondiscriminatory fees. Such courses or programs shall relate to the licensed activity and1639 shall be offered by qualified providers in accordance with rule s adopted by the board. 1640 Courses conducted primarily to promote specific products or ser vices shall not be1641 permitted.1642 (i) Each division may waive the continuing education requirements in cases of hardship,1643 disability, or illness or under such other circumstances as the division deems appropriate.1644 (j) Each division shall make all reasonable efforts to make th e continuing education1645 offered pursuant to this Code section available online or through home study courses and1646 accessible at times outside of the normal work hours of those licensed by such division.1647 (k) Continuing education hours shall not be carried forward to a subsequent renewal1648 period.1649 (l) Failure to comply with the continuing education or renewal requirements of this Code1650 section shall render the license or certificate invalid and subject the licensee or certificate1651 holder to disciplinary action, including denial of renewal or revocation of the license. Such1652 licensee or certificate holder shall not be authorized to engage in the business or profession1653 for which licensed until the license or certificate is renewed or reinstated in accordance1654 with applicable procedures.1655 43-14-21.1656 (a) As used in this Code section, the term:1657 (1) 'Discharge' means an honorable discharge or a general discharge from active military1658 service. Such term shall not mean a discharge under other than honorable conditions, a1659 bad conduct discharge, or a dishonorable discharge.1660 (2) 'Military' means the armed forces of the United States or a reserve component of the1661 armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard.1662 (b) A committee composed of the division director, members of the Governor's Office of1663 Workforce Development, and members of the relevant divisions of the licensing board1664 S. B. 553 - 64 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS representing the profession for which the applicant is seeking a license shall determine the1665 military specialties or certifications the training or experience for which substantially meets1666 or exceeds the requirements to obtain a license for Electrical Contractor Class I,1667 Journeyman Plumber, Conditioned Air Contractor Class I, or Util ity Foreman. The1668 Governor shall designate a chairperson from among the members of the committee.1669 (c) Any current or former member of the military may apply to the licensing board for the1670 expedited issuance of a license or certification based upon his or her having obtained a1671 military specialty or certification, the training or experience for which substantially meets1672 or exceeds the requirements to obtain a license or certification identified in subsection (b)1673 of this Code section.1674 (d) In order to qualify under this Code section, an applicant shall make application not1675 later than two years after his or her discharge. The licensing board, in its discretion, may1676 by rule or regulation extend such two-year period for a license or certification, or class1677 thereof, or may extend such two-year period for an individual a pplicant if certain1678 circumstances, including, but not limited to, health, hospitali zation, or other related1679 emergencies or exigencies, prevented the member of the military from making an1680 application.1681 (e) Such application shall be in such form and shall require s uch documentation as the1682 division director shall determine. If the applicant satisfies the requirements of this Code1683 section, the division director shall direct the appropriate division to issue the appropriate1684 license, and the division shall immediately issue such license; provided, however, that the1685 applicant shall satisfy all financial and insurance requirement s for the issuance of such1686 license. This Code section shall only apply to the initial issuance of a license. After the1687 initial issuance of a license, the licensee shall be subject to any provisions relating to the1688 renewal of the license applicable to all licensees.1689 S. B. 553 - 65 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS 43-14-22.1690 The board may establish a process through rules and regulations for licenses issued under1691 this chapter to be placed on inactive status and the qualificat ions necessary for such1692 licenses to be returned to active status; provided, however, that engaging in any conduct1693 that requires a license under this chapter while holding an ina ctive license shall be1694 considered an unlicensed practice and shall be prohibited.1695 43-14-23.1696 Each division of the board may, in its discretion, grant a license or certificate to any person1697 who, at the time of application, is licensed or certified in another state whose requirements1698 for licensure are substantially equal to the requirements for a similar license or certificate1699 issued under this chapter, and to grant such person full privileges to engage in equivalent1700 practice authorized under this chapter without requiring an exa mination, if applicable,1701 provided that:1702 (1) The applicant has been principally engaged in the practice authorized by such license1703 or certificate for a period of not less than two years immediat ely preceding the1704 application;1705 (2) The applicant submits a proper application, pays a fee in an amount established by1706 the board, and completes any additional safety training courses required by the board; and1707 (3) The state in which the applicant is licensed or certified affords substantially1708 equivalent licensure or certification privileges to persons licensed or certified under this1709 chapter by the State of Georgia.1710 43-14-24.1711 This chapter shall be administered in accordance with Chapter 13 of Title 50, the 'Georgia1712 Administrative Procedure Act.'"1713 S. B. 553 - 66 - 26 LC 56 0670-ECS SECTION 3.1714 Code Section 48-7-38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to deduction for1715 payments to classified subcontractors, disclosure of tax returns, and maintenance of list of1716 classified subcontractors, is amended by revising paragraph (2) of subsection (a) as follows:1717 "(2) 'Small business' shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 50-5-1211718 means a business which is independently owned and operated and:1719 (A) Tier one: has ten or fewer employees or $1 million or less in gross receipts per1720 year;1721 (B) Tier two: has 100 or fewer employees or $10 million or less in gross receipts per1722 year; or1723 (C) Tier three: has 300 or fewer employees or $30 million or less in gross receipts per1724 year."1725 SECTION 4.1726 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. 1727 S. B. 553 - 67 -