GeorgiaSB 1252025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors; decouple the sequential order of experience and examination requirements

Sponsored By: John Albers (Republican), Matt Brass (Republican), Steve Gooch (Republican), Steven McNeel (Republican), Sheikh Rahman (Democrat), Ed Setzler (Republican), Brian Strickland (Republican), Larry Walker (Republican)

Became Law

Regulated IndustriesRegulated Industries and UtilitiesGeneral Bill

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

14 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 4 costs, 4 mixed.

Tougher penalties for unsafe or unlicensed work

The board can fine up to $10,000 per violation after notice and hearing. It can suspend, revoke, or deny licenses for fraud, unsafe or faulty work, substance abuse, or code and rule violations. Unlicensed practice and ads that suggest you are licensed are banned; ads count as proof. Fines can reach $1,500 per violation per day, or $5,000 per violation per day for utility contracting. Courts can also issue injunctions to stop violations.

DIY and on‑site maintenance allowed

You can install or repair plumbing, heating and air, electrical, or low‑voltage wiring in a home you own or live in if you follow codes and inspections. Anyone may work on the lawn sprinkler plumbing downstream of a backflow preventer that was installed by a licensed plumber, if they follow all rules. Full‑time employees may do similar work on their employer’s premises if they follow the law and board rules.

Four paths to engineer licensure

The law sets four ways to qualify for a professional engineer license. You can qualify with board engineer‑in‑training status plus 4 years of experience, or with other board engineer‑in‑training routes plus 7 years. You can also qualify with a 4‑year engineering or related degree and 16 years of experience, including 8 years in responsible charge. All paths require passing the written professional engineer exam.

Utility and public work licensing carve‑outs

Work on utility systems owned or run by public service entities is exempt up to the meter. Routine low‑voltage work by public utilities is exempt, but for‑profit telecom work must follow this chapter. Power and telecom work built under the National Electrical Safety Code is exempt; interior wiring still needs an electrical contractor. Municipal CATV technicians are exempt for work on those systems. Employees of regulated or municipal gas utilities are exempt while doing their jobs. DOT‑qualified workers can do the same kind of public work for local governments without a chapter license (not for paid utility‑system work).

Contractors need certified managers and foremen

Companies must have full‑time licensed qualifiers to do electrical contracting, with a 90‑day grace period (one 90‑day extension possible) if the qualifier dies. Utility contractors must hold a utility contractor license and have a certified utility manager; each permanent office must be registered and staffed full time by a certified utility manager. To get and keep a utility manager certificate, you must pass the exam and complete approved safety training, with re‑training at least every two years. A certified utility manager or certified utility foreman must be present at utility job sites.

New state board over construction trades

The law creates a 27-member State Construction Industry Licensing Board in the Secretary of State’s office. It oversees electrical, plumbing, low-voltage, utility, and conditioned air licensing and rules. The board chair rotates among trade divisions. The Governor appoints members with Senate confirmation. The division director signs orders and runs investigations.

Continuing education and 2026 renewal checks

Certain licenses need about four hours of board‑approved continuing education each year. Waivers are allowed for hardship or disability, and courses are available online or by home study. Beginning January 1, 2026, boards do not renew a license until the state’s tracking system verifies your continuing education. The board may also let you place a license on inactive status and set the steps to return it to active.

Standardized license classes, exams, and IDs

The law sets separate license classes and exams with clear limits. Examples: Electrical Class I covers single‑phase work up to 400 amperes; Class II is unrestricted. Conditioned Air Class I covers heating up to 175,000 BTU and cooling up to five tons; Class II is unrestricted. Licenses renew every two years. You must display your license at your business and put your registration or certificate number on business vehicles, invoices, and ads. The board can require financial responsibility certificates for electrical firms. Subcontractors may do ducts, controls, or insulation under a licensed conditioned air contractor who keeps responsibility for the job.

State license works statewide; local limits apply

A state license lets you work anywhere in the state. Cities and counties generally cannot add extra local licensing, but they can still charge local fees and taxes. Local inspection authorities can suspend licenses within their area after notice and hearing. For conditioned air contractors and plumbers, a single $10,000 code compliance bond on file blocks cities or counties from asking for more bonds. You must file a copy of that bond with the local building official.

Faster licenses for qualified military veterans

Service members can get expedited initial licensure if their military training matches the listed trades. Apply within two years of discharge unless extended by rule or case. You must also meet financial and insurance rules. If you qualify, the division director issues the license right away.

Government maintenance staff can do repairs

If you work on maintenance staff at a state or local government facility, you can install, alter, or repair plumbing, HVAC, utility, electrical, or low‑voltage systems as part of regular upkeep. You do not need a separate trade license under this chapter for that maintenance work. The work must be integral to facility maintenance and follow board rules and the law.

What this law covers and classifies

The law covers plumbing, HVAC, electrical and low‑voltage wiring, and utility systems work on public and private buildings statewide, unless an exemption applies. Fence detection systems are treated as alarm systems for zoning and permitting.

Higher fines for breaking licensing laws

The law raises the maximum criminal fine for violations from $1,000 to $3,000 per conviction. Violations remain misdemeanors. Courts can impose up to six months in jail, a fine up to $3,000, or both.

Targeted trade carve‑outs and propane limits

State fire marshal‑licensed manufactured home installers may do specific hookups without this chapter’s license. DPH‑certified contractors may connect a structure’s stub‑out to an on‑site wastewater system. Properly insured propane dealers with a state LPG license may install and service propane systems and gas piping, but they cannot install conditioned air or forced‑air heating systems unless they also hold the chapter license.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Lee Hawkins
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 197 • No: 75

Senate vote • 4/4/2025

AGREE TO HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

Yes: 37 • No: 14

House vote • 4/2/2025

PASSAGE

Yes: 104 • No: 61

Senate vote • 2/24/2025