Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be licensed by the Board to provide plumbing services before the individual may provide plumbing services in the State.
Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be licensed by the Board to provide or to assist in providing plumbing services before the individual may assist in providing plumbing services in the State.
Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be licensed by the Board to provide plumbing services or certified by the Board to provide propane gas services before the individual may provide propane gas services in the State.
Except as otherwise provided in this title or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual shall be licensed by the Board to provide natural gas services before the individual may provide natural gas services in the State.
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, this section does not apply to an individual who personally provides plumbing services in the residence of the individual.
An individual may not provide plumbing services that make a final connection between the residence of the individual and a public or private disposal system or water supply system.
This section does not apply to an employee of a gas company regulated by the Public Service Commission while making a connection to a gas appliance for domestic purposes or while installing, repairing, maintaining, replacing, or performing any other work on a natural gas, propane gas, or other gas distribution system, including customer-owned gas piping systems.
This section does not apply to an individual performing work that is only incidental to the licensee providing or assisting in providing plumbing services.
This section does not apply to an individual who, without compensation, provides plumbing services that the Board defines by regulation to be only incidental plumbing services.
This section does not apply to an employee of a building owner, manager, or maintenance company who provides plumbing services that the Board defines by regulation to be only minor plumbing repair services.
This section does not apply to an individual who is licensed as an appliance installer in Allegany County, Frederick County, Garrett County, or Washington County while acting within the scope of the license.
This section does not apply to an individual who is licensed in Washington County to work as or for a septic system installer or an on-site utility contractor installing water or sewer service in the county at least 5 feet from a building being served.
Subsection (a)(3) and (4) of this section does not apply to an individual licensed by the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors while servicing an existing propane gas or existing natural gas appliance if the individual has completed a manufacturer’s training course certifying competence to work on that particular type of appliance.
In this section, “licensed master plumber” means an individual who holds:
a master plumber license or a limited master plumber license issued by the Board;
a master plumber license issued by the Baltimore County Plumbing Board;
a master plumber license issued by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; or
a master plumber license issued by another state, if the individual became licensed in that state after passing an examination that is equivalent to the examination for a master plumber license given in this State.
To qualify for a license, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section.
An applicant for a journey plumber license:
shall have held, for a period of at least 4 years, an apprentice plumber license or a license of equal stature, as determined by the Board, that is issued by another state; and
during that period, shall have completed at least 7,500 hours of training in providing plumbing services under the direction and control of a licensed master plumber; and
shall have completed at least 32 hours of training in the testing of backflow prevention devices, in a manner approved by the Board.
The Board may allow the applicant to apply up to 1,500 hours of accredited, approved school study toward the experience requirement of paragraph (1)(i)2 of this subsection.
An applicant for a master plumber license:
shall have completed at least 3,750 hours of training in providing plumbing services as a journey plumber licensed in this State or another state and under the direction and control of a licensed master plumber;
if an applicant resides in this State, shall have a journey plumber license for at least 2 years; or
shall have been licensed in another state as a journey plumber after:
completing at least 7,500 hours of training in providing plumbing services under the direction and control of a licensed master plumber; and
passing a written examination that is equivalent to the examination for a journey plumber license given in this State; and
shall have completed at least 32 hours of training in the testing of backflow prevention devices, in a manner approved by the Board.
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an applicant for a master plumber license or a journey plumber license shall pass an examination given by the Board under this subtitle.
An applicant for a propane gas fitter certificate shall:
hold a current certification of completion of the National Propane Gas Association Certified Training Program for Distribution Systems Operations;
hold a gas fitters license from a county or municipal corporation authorizing the individual to provide propane gas services under a licensing program that is in existence prior to July 1, 1995 and that is acceptable to the Board; or
otherwise demonstrate qualifications that are satisfactory to the Board and that are at least equivalent to the qualifications required by the National Propane Gas Association Certified Training Program for Distribution Systems Operations.
An applicant for a journeyman natural gas fitters license:
shall have acquired 3,750 working hours as an apprentice natural gas fitter over a period of at least 2 years; and
shall have demonstrated successful completion of a training course approved by the Board relating to natural gas services.
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, an applicant for a journeyman natural gas fitters license shall pass an examination given by the Board under this subtitle.
An applicant for a master natural gas fitters license shall:
hold a gas fitters license from a county or municipal corporation authorizing the individual to provide natural gas services under a licensing program that is in existence prior to July 1, 1999, is acceptable to the Board, and at a minimum requires:
successful completion of the licensing examination with a passing score of no less than 70; and
2 years of work experience as a journeyman natural gas fitter under the direction of a:
licensed master plumber; or
licensed master gas fitter;
apply to the Board for a master natural gas fitters license before October 1, 2002 and provide proof that:
the applicant has completed a natural gas certification program offered by a third party that:
was in existence prior to July 1, 1999;
is approved by the Board; and
provides theoretical and practical training relating to natural gas services; and
the applicant has acquired 4 years of work experience in providing natural gas services; or
pass a written examination given by the Board and meet any other requirements specified by the Board, and at a minimum requires:
proof of a current master or master restricted heating license in good standing issued by the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors that is deemed acceptable by the Board; and
2 years of work experience as a journeyman natural gas fitter under the direction of a:
licensed master plumber;
licensed master gas fitter; or
holder of a master or master restricted heating license in good standing issued by the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, who demonstrates qualification as a natural gas fitter that is deemed acceptable by the Board.
An applicant for a license shall:
submit to the Board an application on the form that the Board provides; and
except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, pay to the Board or the Board’s designee an examination fee set by the Board for:
a master plumber license, a journey plumber license, or a master natural gas fitters license, in an amount not to exceed the cost of the required examination;
an apprentice plumber license or apprentice natural gas fitters license;
a propane gas fitter certificate;
a journeyman natural gas fitters license; or
a master natural gas fitters license without examination.
Except as otherwise provided in § 12-304.1 of this subtitle, an applicant who otherwise qualifies for a license is entitled to be examined as provided in this section.
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Board shall give examinations to qualified applicants at the times and places that the Board determines.
The Board shall give an examination at least once a year in Baltimore City.
The Board shall give each qualified applicant notice of the time and place of examination.
The Board shall determine the subjects, scope, and form of and the passing score for examinations given under this subtitle.
The Board shall provide examination questions that test the competency and qualifications of the applicant.
When testing an applicant for a master plumber license or a master natural gas fitters license, the examination given by the Board shall include at a minimum the following areas:
gas fitting regulations;
safety regulations;
pipe sizing;
common principles of mathematics and physics relating to gas fitting;
interpretation of plans and drawings showing the arrangement and connection of natural gas pipes, fixtures, or equipment;
design and construction of natural gas systems for buildings; and
venting gas appliances.
If an applicant fails an examination given by the Board, the Board shall give the applicant notice of the right of the applicant to have the papers of the applicant regraded.
On written request to the Board, an applicant who failed an examination may:
review the examination questions and the answers given by the applicant; and
have the examination regraded.
If an applicant fails to appear for a scheduled examination, the Board may require the applicant to pay another examination fee under § 12-303 of this subtitle before rescheduling an examination for the applicant.
The Board may use a testing service to administer an examination given under this subtitle.
If the Board uses a testing service, the testing service, subject to the requirements set by the Board, may:
set the time and place of examinations;
give qualified applicants notice of the time and place of examinations; and
furnish any other information that the Board may require the testing service to provide.
An examination shall be given at least once per year in Baltimore City.
Subject to the limitations in this section, the Board may waive any of the qualifications for a journey plumber license or a master plumber license for an individual who holds a journey plumber license or a master plumber license issued by Baltimore County or by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
The Board may grant a waiver under this section only if the applicant:
pays the appropriate license fee required under § 12-306 of this subtitle;
holds a license that is similar to the license for which the applicant is seeking a waiver;
if contracting to provide plumbing services in the name of the applicant or another person, submits proof of the liability insurance as required under § 12-501 of this title; and
provides adequate evidence that the applicant:
meets the qualifications otherwise required by this subtitle; and
at the time that the applicant became licensed in Baltimore County or by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, the applicant:
passed an examination that was given by Baltimore County or the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and was substantially equivalent to the examination that then was required by the Board; and
met qualifications for licensing that were set by Baltimore County or the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and were substantially equivalent to the qualifications that then were required by the Board.
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Board may grant a waiver of the qualification and examination requirements of § 12-302 of this subtitle only if Baltimore County or the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission waives the qualifications and examination required for individuals licensed by the Board to a similar extent as the Board waives those requirements for individuals licensed by Baltimore County or the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
An agreement may be made with Baltimore County that, if an individual who is licensed by the Board as a journey plumber or a master plumber resides in Baltimore County, the individual may be required to pass a licensing examination for a journey plumber or master plumber given by Baltimore County.
Subject to the provisions of this section, the Board may waive the examination requirements for a master plumber license or a journey plumber license for an individual who is licensed to provide plumbing services in another state on the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the authorized membership of the Board.
The Board may grant a waiver under this section only if an applicant:
pays the appropriate fee required under § 12–306 of this subtitle; and
provides adequate evidence that the applicant:
meets the qualifications otherwise required by this title;
holds an active license in good standing in the other state;
holds a license that is equivalent to the State license; and
became licensed in the other state after meeting requirements that are at least equivalent to the licensing requirements of this State.
The Board may grant a waiver only if the state in which the applicant is licensed waives the examination of licensees of this State to a similar extent as this State waives the examination requirements for individuals licensed in that state.
In this subsection, “BRAC” means the Base Realignment and Closure process as announced by the United States Department of Defense.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section, the Board shall grant a waiver to an applicant who files a request before July 1, 2012, if the applicant:
pays the appropriate fee required under § 12–306 of this subtitle;
holds an active Virginia or New Jersey master plumber’s license or an active Virginia journey plumber’s license in good standing that is equivalent to the State license;
has experience in the provision of plumbing services that meets the time requirements of § 12–302 of this subtitle; and
has relocated to the State as a family member of a BRAC employee.
In this section, “BRAC” means the Base Realignment and Closure process as announced by the United States Department of Defense.
Subject to the provisions of this section, the Board shall waive the examination requirements for a journey natural gas fitters license for an individual who is licensed to provide gas fitting services as a journeyman in Virginia.
The Board shall grant a waiver under this section to an applicant who files a request before July 1, 2012, if the applicant:
pays the appropriate fee required under § 12–306 of this subtitle;
provides adequate evidence that the applicant:
meets the qualifications otherwise required by this title;
holds an active license in good standing in Virginia;
holds a license that is equivalent to the State license; and
has experience in the provision of natural gas services that meets the time requirements of § 12–302 of this subtitle; and
has relocated to the State as a family member of a BRAC employee.
If an applicant qualifies for a journey plumber license, a master plumber license, a limited license, a master natural gas fitters license, a journeyman natural gas fitters license, an apprentice natural gas fitters license, or a propane gas fitter certificate under this subtitle, the Board shall send the applicant a notice that states that:
the applicant has qualified for a license; and
the Board will issue a license to the applicant on receipt of:
if contracting in the name of the applicant or another person to provide plumbing services, proof of the liability insurance as required under § 12–501 of this title; and
a license fee set by the Board.
On payment of the appropriate license fee and, if applicable, receipt of the proof of the insurance required under § 12–501 of this title, the Board shall issue a license to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle.
Any master plumber, journey plumber, or apprentice holding a valid license is eligible to participate in a Board–approved cross connection/backflow prevention certification program to be certified as an approved cross connection/backflow prevention technician.
Only a master plumber or journey plumber possessing certification shall be authorized to certify the installation and testing of mechanical cross connection control devices.
For the purpose of certification of the installation and testing of mechanical cross connection control devices, a local jurisdiction may adopt regulations or enact laws that have qualifications comparable to or more stringent than paragraph (2) of this subsection.
While a master plumber license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to provide plumbing services.
While a journey plumber license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to provide plumbing services only under the direction and control of a master plumber or a holder of a limited master plumber license.
While an apprentice plumber license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to assist in providing plumbing services only under the direction and control of a master plumber or a holder of a limited master plumber license.
While a propane gas fitter certificate is in effect, it authorizes the certificate holder to provide propane gas services and to directly supervise others in the provision of those services in every political subdivision of the State.
While a master natural gas fitters license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to provide natural gas services.
While a journeyman natural gas fitters license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to provide natural gas services only under the direction and control of a licensed master natural gas fitter.
While an apprentice natural gas fitters license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to provide natural gas service only under the direction and control of a licensed master natural gas fitter.
Subject to § 12–308.1 of this subtitle, unless a license is renewed for a 2–year term as provided in this section, the license expires on the first May 1 that comes:
after the effective date of the license; and
in an odd–numbered year.
At least 1 month before a license expires, the Board shall mail or electronically transmit to the licensee:
a renewal application form; and
a notice that states:
the date on which the current license expires; and
the amount of the renewal fee.
If an electronic transmission under paragraph (1) of this subsection is returned to the Board as undeliverable, the Board shall mail to the licensee, at the last known address of the licensee, the materials required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 10 business days of the date the Board received the notice that the electronic transmission was undeliverable.
Before a license expires, the licensee may renew it for an additional 2–year term, if the licensee:
otherwise is entitled to be licensed;
pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board; and
submits to the Board:
if contracting in the name of the licensee or another person to provide plumbing services, proof of the liability insurance required under § 12–501 of this title; and
a renewal application on the form that the Board provides.
The Board shall renew the license of and issue a renewal certificate to each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.
The Secretary may determine that licenses and certificates issued under this subtitle shall expire on a staggered basis.
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, for an apprentice plumber or apprentice natural gas fitter issued an initial license on or after October 1, 2012, the Board may not renew the license for more than three consecutive terms if the licensee has not taken or registered to take a journey plumber examination or journeyman gas fitters examination.
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, if an apprentice plumber or apprentice natural gas fitter fails a journey plumber examination or journeyman gas fitters examination, the Board shall renew the apprentice plumber license or apprentice natural gas fitters license for an additional 2–year term for each failed examination.
The Board shall reinstate the license of an individual who has failed to renew the license for any reason if the individual:
applies to the Board for reinstatement within 4 years after the license expires; and
meets the renewal requirements for the appropriate license under § 12-308 of this subtitle.
The Board may not reinstate a journey plumber license, a master plumber license, a limited license, a propane gas fitter certificate, a master natural gas fitters license, a journeyman natural gas fitters license, or an apprentice natural gas fitters license of an individual who for any reason fails to apply for reinstatement within 4 years after the license expired unless the individual:
meets the renewal requirements for the appropriate license under § 12-308 of this subtitle; and
passes the appropriate examination for obtaining a license under this subtitle.
Subject to the limitations in this section, the Board may issue a limited license to provide plumbing services as a master plumber or a journey plumber to any applicant who:
meets the qualifications that the Board establishes for:
a limited master plumber license; or
a limited journey plumber license;
passes an examination given by the Board for:
a limited master plumber license; or
a limited journey plumber license;
submits to the Board an application on the form that the Board requires;
pays the appropriate application fee under § 12-303 of this subtitle for:
a master plumber license; or
a journey plumber license; and
if contracting in the name of the applicant or another person to provide plumbing services, submits to the Board proof of the liability insurance as required under § 12-501 of this title.
While a limited master plumber license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to provide plumbing services only in a specified geographical area of the State.
While a limited journey plumber license is in effect, it authorizes the licensee to provide plumbing services under the direction and control of a master plumber only in a specified geographical area of the State.
A limited license expires on the first May 1 that comes:
after the effective date of the limited license; and
in an odd-numbered year.
After June 30, 1991, the Board may not issue a limited license to provide plumbing services to any individual.
Notwithstanding subsection (d) of this section, an individual who is issued a limited license to provide plumbing services on or before June 30, 1991, may continue to renew the limited license for a 2-year term as provided under § 12-308 of this subtitle if the individual meets the appropriate renewal requirements for:
a master plumber license; or
a journey plumber license.
A person who is engaged in the business of providing propane gas services under § 12-401(b) of this title shall meet the insurance requirements set forth in § 12-501 of this title.
A person who holds a master natural gas fitters license and provides natural gas services under § 12-401(c) of this title shall meet the insurance requirements set forth in § 12-501 of this title.
Each master plumber shall display:
the master plumber license and the license number conspicuously in the principal place of business of the master plumber; and
the license number of the master plumber license on each vehicle used on the job for providing plumbing services.
Each holder of a limited master plumber license shall display:
the limited master plumber license and the license number conspicuously in the principal place of business of the holder of the limited master plumber license; and
the license number of the limited master plumber license on each vehicle used on the job for providing plumbing services.
Each holder of a propane gas fitter certificate shall display:
the propane gas fitter certificate and the certificate number conspicuously in the principal place of business of the certificate holder; and
the certificate number of the propane gas fitter certification on each vehicle used on the job in providing propane gas services.
Each holder of a master natural gas fitters license shall display:
the master natural gas fitters license and the license number conspicuously in the principal place of business of the license holder; and
the license number of the master natural gas fitters license on each vehicle used on the job for providing natural gas services.
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a county or municipal corporation may not require a person licensed under this subtitle to display a county or municipal corporation certificate number on each vehicle used on the job for providing plumbing, natural gas fitting, or propane gas fitting services.
This subsection does not apply to Baltimore County or the areas in the State under the jurisdiction of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
Each licensee shall give the Board and any appropriate licensing authority written notice of any change of name, address, or employment from that which appears on the current license, at least 10 working days before the change is to take effect.
Subject to the hearing provisions of § 12-313 of this subtitle, the Board may deny a license to any applicant, reprimand any licensee, or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee:
fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the applicant or licensee or for another;
fraudulently or deceptively uses a license;
is guilty of gross negligence, incompetence, or misconduct while providing plumbing services or assisting in providing plumbing services;
is guilty of violating the State Plumbing Code or applicable local plumbing code while providing plumbing services or assisting in providing plumbing services;
under the laws of the United States or of any state, is convicted of:
a felony; or
a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to provide plumbing services;
is guilty of an unfair or deceptive trade practice, as defined in § 13-301 of the Commercial Law Article;
fails to train and control adequately any person who, while under the direction and control of the master plumber or holder of a limited master plumber license, sells or gives estimates for providing plumbing services or provides or assists in providing plumbing services;
fails to maintain the liability insurance required under § 12-501 of this title for a master plumber, holder of a limited master plumber license who contracts to provide plumbing services on behalf of the master plumber, holder of a limited master plumber license, or another, holder of a propane gas fitter certificate, or holder of a master natural gas fitters license;
is guilty of violating § 12-605 of this title;
as the holder of a limited license, propane gas fitter certificate, master natural gas fitters license, journey plumber license, journeyman natural gas fitters license, apprentice plumber license, or apprentice natural gas fitters license, performs plumbing, propane gas fitting, or natural gas fitting services outside the scope of that license;
knowingly allows or permits another licensee to perform plumbing, propane gas fitting, or natural gas fitting services outside the scope of that individual’s license;
violates any other provision of this title; or
violates any regulation adopted under this title.
Instead of or in addition to reprimanding a licensee or suspending or revoking a license under this subsection, the Board may impose a penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation.
To determine the amount of the penalty imposed under this subsection, the Board shall consider:
the seriousness of the violation;
the harm caused by the violation;
the good faith of the licensee; and
any history of previous violations by the licensee.
The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.
The Board shall consider the following facts in the granting, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of a license or the reprimand of a licensee when an applicant or licensee is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor described in subsection (a)(1)(v) of this section:
the nature of the crime;
the relationship of the crime to the activities authorized by the license;
with respect to a felony, the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to provide plumbing services;
the length of time since the conviction; and
the behavior and activities of the applicant or licensee before and after the conviction.
Except as otherwise provided in § 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Board takes any final action under § 12-312 of this subtitle, it shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Board.
The Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
The Board may administer oaths in connection with any proceeding under this section.
If, after due notice, the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the Board may hear and determine the matter.
Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the Board in a contested case, as defined in § 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in §§ 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article.