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

                                                                                               COMMITTEE SUMMARY

House Bill 4754 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)

Sponsor:  Representative George T. Darany

House Committee:  Military and Veterans Affairs

Senate Committee:  Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security

Date Completed:  10-14-13

CONTENT

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

Under the Act, if a person files an application 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.

-- Specialty.

Under the bill, "experience" would include experience acquired, while serving as an active duty member of the armed forces, by a veteran who was not dishonorably discharged from military service.  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.

"Armed forces" would mean that term as defined in the Veteran Right to Employment Services Act.  (That Act defines "armed forces" as the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or other military force designated by Congress as part of the Armed Forces of the United States.)

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.

                                                                                     Fiscal Analyst:  Bill Bowerman

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.