Analysis

Topic: Carpenters

Sponsor: Representative Richardville

Committee: House Regulatory Reform

Position: The Department of Consumer and Industry Services does not support the bill.

Description of the Bill: House Bill 4987 amends Article 24 of the Occupational Code (Residential Builders and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors) by providing for the licensure of carpenter contractors. Two members of the six licensee members of the Residential Builders', Carpenter Contractors', and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors' Board would be contractor contractors. The bill creates a 12-month window in which carpenter contractors can be issued a license if they demonstrate that they have been engaged as a carpenter contractor for at least 12 of the preceding 24 months. The director is required to promulgate rules establishing master, journey and apprentice classes of carpenters. Existing industry standards setting forth skill levels in the various classes may be adopted by reference.

House Bill 4988 amends the State License Fee Act by inserting language relating to carpenter contractors. No changes in fees are proposed.

Arguments:

For: The public deserves to be protected from poor workmanship and unethical carpenter contractors.

Against: The public currently has adequate remedies through the department and in the courts to protect themselves. The proposed bill primarily benefits the profession by providing a mechanism for government to impose industry standards relating to skill levels. Competition will be reduced and prices for construction and reconstruction will increase.

Article 24 of the Occupational Code already includes carpentry within the scope of its licensing of residential maintenance and alteration contractors. It is unnecessary to impose a hierarchy of skill levels and to single out this profession for representation on the board. This would set a precedent for similar treatment for other crafts and trades, like painters, masons and excavation contractors. Such regulation would dramatically increase the prices paid by consumers for remodeling.

Supporters/Opponents: No information is available at this time.

Financial Impact: Revenue to the department would be increased by imposing a licensing requirement on a new profession. The increase in revenue would likely be substantial but no precise estimate is available. The bill would also substantially increase the workload for department staff.

Administrative Rules Impact: House Bill 4987 requires the department to promulgate rules establishing three classes of carpenter contractor licensees within 180 days of the effective date. This time frame is not feasible.