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On March 1, Senator Nichols filed SB 871, with Senator Buckingham signing on as a cosponsor. It keeps the TSBPE but makes several significant changes –

1. Eliminates the Responsible Master Plumber designation and creates the Plumbing Contractor license.
   1. A " Plumbing contractor" means a person licensed as a plumbing contractor who is a master plumber, or employs a master plumber, for the purpose of offering and performing plumbing work that will be performed or supervised by the master plumber; is authorized to obtain permits for plumbing work; assumes responsibility for plumbing work performed for compensation paid to the person; and has submitted a certificate of insurance as required by Section 1301.3576.
2. Eliminates 24-hour business course requirement (RMP course)
3. Eliminates the drain cleaner, drain cleaner-restricted, and residential utilities installer registrations; authorizes apprentices and tradesman to perform this work
4. Changes the TSBPE board composition
   1. Replaces the RMP member with a Plumbing Contractor member
   2. Replaces one public member with a licensed plumber
5. Eliminates the following job requirements for field investigators:
   1. Holding a license as a plumber
   2. Being qualified by experience and training in plumbing practice

                                              i.      However, for an inspection or investigation that involves the quality of plumbing work, including whether the plumbing work complies with any applicable plumbing code requirements, the board will employ or contract with a person who holds a license as a plumber to conduct or assist in the inspection or investigation.

6.  Authorizes outsourced exams but ensures a licensed plumber administers any practical components

7. Requires a master plumber perform or supervise all plumbing; requires the plumbing board to adopt rules requiring general or direct supervision for specific tasks and for specific license/registration holders
8. Requires all applicants and licensees to submit fingerprint background checks

9. Includes provisions for CTE programs for tradesman plumber-limited license

10. Replaces provisional licenses with reciprocity authority with states with similar licensure requirements

11. Authorizes biennial renewals and aligns renewal of endorsements with licenses

12. Clarifies authority of the board to approve only (1) the curriculum and (2) the qualifications for instructors