CONTRACTOR LICENSE:  MIL. EXPERIENCE                                              H.B. 4754 (S-1):

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

House Bill 4754 (Substitute S-1 as reported)

Sponsor:  Representative George T. Darany

House Committee:  Military and Veterans Affairs

Senate Committee:  Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Mechanical Contractors Act to include experience acquired while serving in the U.S. armed forces, as experience that a person must have before being tested for a mechanical contractor license.

Under the Act, if a person applies and pays a required examination fee, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) must conduct examinations to establish the qualifications and competency of applicants seeking licensure for certain contractor categories.  An applicant is not considered eligible for examination unless he or she is of good moral character and has at least three years of experience, or an equivalent of that experience in one or more of the following classifications: hydronic heating and cooling and process piping; hVAC equipment; ductwork; refrigeration; limited service, heating or refrigeration; unlimited service, heating or refrigeration; fire suppression; or specialty.

Under the bill, "experience" would include experience acquired, while serving in the armed forces, by an individual who was honorably discharged from military service and provides documentation of that discharge.  A veteran would have to submit with his or her license application an affidavit or letter signed by a commanding officer, supervisor, or military superior with direct knowledge of the applicant's service, that described his or her experience as a contractor in or more of the classifications listed above.

The bill would take effect 90 days after its enactment.

MCL 338.976                                                           Legislative Analyst:  Patrick Affholter

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  10-16-13                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.