All Roll Calls
Yes: 224 • No: 3
GeorgiaHB 6352025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
State Licensing Board for Residential and Commercial General Contractors; revise provisions
Sponsored By: Rob Clifton (Republican), Lehman Franklin (Republican), Spencer Frye (Democrat), Holt Persinger (Republican), Matt Reeves (Republican), Marcus Wiedower (Republican)
Became Law
Regulated IndustriesRegulated Industries and UtilitiesGeneral Bill
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Insurance and net worth rules for contractors
Commercial general contractor applicants must show a minimum net worth set by the division. All applicants and licensees must keep general liability insurance in the amount the division requires and carry workers' compensation as state law requires. An insurer's certificate must be on file with the division and kept current for renewal. If you are a qualifying agent, the business must meet these financial and insurance rules.
Stronger penalties for bad contractor conduct
The board can refuse, suspend, or revoke a license for fraud, certain felonies, or helping unlicensed work. Letting others use your license, false insurance or bonding claims, gross negligence, or working without permits can lead to discipline. A job may be presumed abandoned after 90 days with no work and no proper notice. Using unlicensed subcontractors or failing to pay final civil judgments also counts. A majority of the board must find a violation.
Who qualifies for contractor licenses
The law sets clear paths to get a contractor license. Residential-basic: age 21+, good character, two years under a licensed residential contractor, and major responsibility for two projects in the last two years. Residential-light commercial: age 21+ plus one of three routes (degree + 1 year; credits + experience = 4 years; or 4 years active with 2 years employed by a residential contractor) and two projects in the last four years. Commercial: age 21+ plus one of three routes (degree + 1 year; credits + experience = 4 years; or 4 years active with 2 years under a commercial contractor and 1 year in admin/technical work). All required experience must be verified by affidavit.
Apply and test for contractor licenses
You must use the division's form and pay the fee. You must pass the division exam unless you qualify for a legal exemption or you already held and kept the license. Applications must list affiliated people and businesses. Individuals give a Social Security number; businesses give a federal tax ID. Commercial applicants must also provide the tax‑payment proof the division requires.
Renewal classes and 30 day updates
To renew, the division may require approved classes. Caps: up to 3 hours a year for residential-basic, 6 hours for residential-light commercial, and 8 hours for commercial general contractors. You must tell the division in writing within 30 days when your address, insurance, or affiliated entities change.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Rob Clifton
Republican • House
Lehman Franklin
Republican • House
Spencer Frye
Democrat • House
Holt Persinger
Republican • House
Matt Reeves
Republican • House
Marcus Wiedower
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Larry Walker
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/2/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 53 • No: 1
House vote • 3/6/2025
PASSAGE
Yes: 171 • No: 2
Actions Timeline
Effective Date
7/1/2025House Date Signed by Governor
5/9/2025HouseAct 91
5/9/2025House Sent to Governor
4/10/2025HouseSenate Tabled
4/2/2025SenateSenate Taken from Table
4/2/2025SenateSenate Third Read
4/2/2025SenateSenate Passed/Adopted
4/2/2025SenateSenate Read Second Time
3/25/2025SenateSenate Committee Favorably Reported
3/21/2025SenateSenate Read and Referred
3/10/2025SenateHouse Third Readers
3/6/2025HouseHouse Passed/Adopted
3/6/2025HouseHouse Committee Favorably Reported
3/4/2025HouseHouse Second Readers
2/28/2025HouseHouse First Readers
2/27/2025HouseHouse Hopper
2/26/2025House
Bill Text
HB 635/AP* (v3)
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