http://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/jfr/s/2005SB-01255-R00GL-JFR.htm
REPORT ON BILLS FAVORABLY REPORTED BY COMMITTEE
General Law Committee
SB-1255
3/10/2005
JFS-3/17/2005
TITLE OF BILL:
AN ACT CONCERNING CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN OCCUPATIONAL LICENSEES.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
General Law Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill would require accredited continuing education requirements for plumbers and electricians.
JFS language adds lines 50 to 53.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Edwin R. Rodriguez, Department of Consumer Protection
DCP supports "continuing education as a matter of public policy. When we issue a license, we are sending a message to the citizens of Connecticut that a person holds a certain level competency in their occupation...for the plumbing trade, the frequency of classes is the main issue of concern. We can address this issue, as well as the actual content of the classes, through changes in our regulations. The Department already has authority to issue a final approval of curriculum and to qualify instructors to teach the classes."
"No change in the statute is necessary to accomplish these changes, and we would work with the industries and our Boards of Commissions to modify the continuing education requirements to better suit the needs of the licenses." Oral and written testimony.
Richard M. Hurlburt, Department of Consumer Protection
Mr. Hurlburt testified that the State of New Hampshire had sent a proposal to the Appointment Board in Connecticut asking for reciprocity for plumbers. The Appointment Board agreed that the New Hampshire standards were "similar in education, experience and training." They voted in favor of the proposal as long as New Hampshire would issue a plumbing license to a person in Connecticut. Shortly after receiving the proposal back from Connecticut, New Hampshire changed it's mind and sent a "thank-you letter for the consideration." Oral testimony.
Representative Jutila, 37th District
Plumbers from Representative Jutila's district expressed to him that this bill would create a financial burden and would be and imposition on their time. "One told me that not only would he have to attend himself on a Saturday, when he is normally working, but he also would have to pay the course fees and purchase the materials for each of his employees to attend, as well as pay them a full day's salary while attending."
"If after hearing the testimony of the plumbers here today you are still not convinced, then reduce their burden by combining the concepts in HB 6857 and 1255." Oral and written testimony.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Brien Balavender, B&J Construction
Supports an amendment to exempt P6 and P7 licensees. Oral testimony.
Bill Dufford, Dufford Construction
Would like to see the hours required for continuing education reduced. Oral testimony.
Paul J. Leduc, Leduc Plumbing and Heating
Mr. Leduc was once a member of PHCC. While he was there they use to receive funding from "different manufactures, manufactures' reps and supply houses...they would help us put on workshops and seminars...I think the manufacturers and the supply houses would be very happy to help." Oral testimony.
Kevin Plourde, D&G Contractors Inc.
Supports and amendment to exempt P6 and P7 license holders from continuing education requirements. Oral testimony.
Peter Arborio, Arborio Construction
Supports and amendment to exempt P6 and P7 license holders from continuing education requirements. Oral testimony.
John Vasel III, J.V. III Construction Inc.
Supports and amendment to exempt P6 and P7 license holders from continuing education requirements. Oral testimony.
Rorin Jennings, Jennings General Construction
Supports and amendment to exempt P6 and P7 license holders from continuing education requirements. Oral testimony.
Joyce Wojtas, Connecticut Construction Industries Association
CCIA supports SB-1255 only if an amendment to "exempt P6 and P7 licenses (limited to underground sewer, storm and water piper installation) from continuing education requirements of P.A. 02-142." Oral and written testimony.
Richard R. Spargo, Spargo Plumbing and Heating
Supports SB-1255, but feels that continuing education is not appropriate for new products. Written testimony.
Cameron Champlin, L-777
Supports SB-1255, but feels as the bill is written now, it is unfair to many people. He feels there is no reason for retired licensed holders, living out of state, to have to return to Connecticut to take a continuing education course. Mr. Champlin was also concerned as to who would pay for the continuing education of the unorganized sector (non-union) of this industry. Oral testimony.
Paul McGuire, McGuire Plumbing and Heating, LLC.
Written testimony.
Seumas Quinn, Zoning and Building Official
Strongly supports SB-1255 and the current continuing education requirements. Written testimony.
David Newland, Assistant Building Plumbing Official
Written testimony.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Mary Ellen Dombrowski, Independent Electrical Contractors of New England, Inc.
IEC-NE strongly opposes SB-1255. IEC-NE supports continuing education, but feels SB-1255 would significantly reduce the continuing education requirements for electricians and plumbers. The hours currently required "will allow Connecticut electricians to pursue license reciprocity with neighboring states, resulting in more jobs being created in Connecticut." Oral and written testimony.
John Yusza, The Connecticut Alarm and Systems Integrators Association
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. "Should the education requirements be reduced or eliminated the loss would be to the consumer and general publics safety. Unskilled tradespersons are a threat to both themselves and the public." Oral and written testimony.
David Wilson, The Connecticut Alarm and Systems Integrators Association
Mr. Wilson opposes SB-1255, but supports continuing education and feels the "current requirement of 7 hours per year is not too much to ask for public safety and consumer protection. Mandatory continuing education requirements simply ensure that all electricians are kept up to date on the newest code adaptations, advances in technology and job safety issues. Oral and written testimony.
Frank Wolferseder, The Connecticut Alarm and Systems Integrators Association
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. He is a strong advocate of reciprocity of licensing between neighboring states and feels that "if an individual chooses to move their home or business across state lines they should have the opportunity to continue to use the individuals they trust within this industry to continue to provide the service they have become accustomed." Oral and written testimony.
Gordon Harvey, CAPHCC
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. "Continuing education exists primarily for the benefit of the public. However, the license holder benefits as well. The continuing education program will insure that all the license holders in the state are exposed to changes and upgrades in the industry." Oral and written testimony.
Michael Masselli, Masselli and Sons Plumbing and Heating
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral and written testimony.
Laurance A. Vallieres, State-Wide Electric, Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral and written testimony.
Lake Coulson, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-National Association
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. "We oppose any weakening of the regulations..." Oral and written testimony.
Eddie Hollus, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-National Association
Supports continuing education, but opposes any change to the current language. Oral testimony.
Nancy E. Jones, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Nancy testified before the committee about a Continuing Education program within the state of Texas. She stated, Texas' program is "eleven years old, and has become a model for the rest of the nation." Oral and written testimony.
Wayne Beaupre, Wayne's Plumbing Etc LLC.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Dean Solidy, Doc's Plumbing
Strong supports continuing education and feels there is no need to change the current language. Oral testimony.
Brian Phinney, B&S Plumbing and Heating
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Dan Henessey, Henessey Plumbing
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Walt Woycik, W.J. Woycik Plumbing and Heating
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Tony Martucci, Assertive Solutions Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Cris Kerfus, Efficient Plumbing and Heating LLC.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Jack Cauley, Cauley Plumbing and Heating
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Andy Hall, Rapid Service
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Bob Macca, Macca Plumbing and Heating
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
George Mulvaney, Mulvaney Mechanical
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral and written testimony.
Thomas Gartnell, Sunburst Plumbing and Heating Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Mr. Gartnell sees "no burden on any plumber or contractors...it is our duty to keep up on the latest codes and employment laws." Oral testimony.
James Brown, James Brown Plumbing and Heating Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
William Lussier, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Paul R. Currie, Currie's Plumbing and Heating Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Richard Weiss, Connecticut Alarm and System Integrators Association
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. "Mandatory continuing education requirements ensure that everyone in the field is up-to-date on recent building and electrical code changes, safety and health requirements and advances in the industry. This helps protect consumers as well as trades people. One day a year is simply not too much to ask to make sure that electrical license holders understand new code changes." Oral and written testimony.
Aaron Lentz, Lentz Plumbing
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Bob Cassidy, Cassidy Jr. Plumbing
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Tom Cassidy
Opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Harold Burr, Burr Plumbing and Heating Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
James Renshaw, Renshaw Plumbing and Heating
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
William R. Lamphere, JR.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
George Sima
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Tom Johnston, Albert and Philopena Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Oral testimony.
Albert D'Amico, D'Amico Electric
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Written testimony.
John E. Taylor, Jr., Electrical Contractors
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Written testimony.
Lelah Campo, Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut, Inc.
This Association opposes SB-1255, but supports a regulation change to reduce the number of continuing education hours required for plumbers. Written testimony.
Connecticut Rental Housing Alliance
CRHA supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. "Continuing education helps ensure that plumbers and electricians understand all of the codes and their applications." Written testimony.
Edward Ingalls, Newinton Electric Co.
Opposes SB-1255, but feels the current requirement of continuing education hours "will allow Connecticut electricians to pursue license reciprocity with neighboring states, resulting in more jobs being created in Connecticut." Written testimony.
Stephen J. Borrelli, All-Brite Electric, Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. "By ensuring that licensed electricians are required to maintain the highest possible level of safety and training, continuing education helps prevent tragedies." Written testimony.
James Nasuta, Electrical Contractors Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Written testimony.
Edward LaGue, LaGue Electric Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Mr. LaGue attended a continuing education class and noticed, "much of the information was new to many of the license holders." Written testimony.
William Zisk, Independent Electrical Contractors of New England Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. "I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping continuing education a requirement for all electricians and plumbers. We cannot afford the risk of bills being repealed and or modified through legislation when it comes to the safety and necessary knowledge our skilled electricians and plumbers must posses." Written testimony.
Robert N. Walsh, Network Installation Service, Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. "The new continuing education programs required by the State of Connecticut for all licensed electricians are vital to the health of our industry and benefit the consumers of our services - homeowners and business owners in Connecticut." Written testimony.
Ronald Bish, Bish Electric, Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Written testimony.
Wallace J. Riiska, Riiska Electric Company Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Written testimony.
Tom Marie LaFollette, LaFollette Electric, Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. Written testimony.
Joseph P. Bonner, Bonner Electric, Inc.
Supports continuing education, but opposes SB-1255. "Continuing education is good for the industry and the consumer by ensuring that licensed electricians are updated on the latest building codes, technological advancements and safety training." Written testimony.
Jason Crisco
March 29, 2005
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