HB1447
To Exempt A Septic System Installer Licensed Under The Arkansas Sewage Disposal Systems Act From Licensure As A Plumber.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes an amendment to existing Arkansas law regarding the licensure of plumbers. Specifically, it seeks to exempt individuals who are licensed as septic system installers under the Arkansas Sewage Disposal Systems Act from the requirement of also obtaining a plumber's license. The proposed change targets the installation of piping connecting the stub out pipe to the septic tank for onsite wastewater systems. The exemption would only apply if the installer holds a valid license from the Department of Health under the aforementioned Sewage Disposal Systems Act. The intent is to streamline the process for these specialized installers. The bill does not alter the general requirements for plumber licensure. It focuses narrowly on a specific aspect of septic system installation. The legislation aims to recognize the existing licensure for septic system installers as sufficient for this particular scope of work. No other exemptions or changes to plumber licensure are proposed in this text.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals or businesses currently licensed as septic system installers under the Arkansas Sewage Disposal Systems Act. These entities would no longer need to incur the costs, time, and effort associated with obtaining and maintaining a separate plumber's license to perform a specific part of their work, namely the installation of piping from the stub out pipe to the septic tank for onsite wastewater systems. This could lead to reduced operational costs and potentially faster project completion times for these licensed installers.
Who Might Suffer?
If enacted, this bill could potentially negatively impact licensed plumbers who do not hold a septic system installer license. While the bill carves out a specific exemption, it could be perceived by some as a reduction in the scope of work traditionally performed by plumbers. Furthermore, there is a potential for ambiguity or overlap in responsibilities if not clearly defined in practice, which might lead to disputes or a perceived diminishment of the plumbing profession's exclusive domain. However, the direct negative impact is likely to be minimal as the exemption is narrowly defined to a specific component of septic system installation.