Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors - License Restoration
Summary
SB263 extends the period during which a person who previously held a Maryland heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) contractor license may seek restoration after the license has expired. Under current law, restoration was available only within a 90-day window after expiration; this bill changes that window to four years. If the applicant applies within that four-year period, the license may be restored upon payment of the required renewal or reinstatement fee.
If the application is filed after the four-year period, the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors may require the person to go through the initial licensing process again, as if they had never been licensed. The bill also preserves the Board’s authority over the licensing system and does not change the underlying definitions of the various HVACR license types.
Impact
The bill amends Section 9A-309(e) of the Business Regulation Article in Maryland law, significantly lengthening the restoration period for expired HVACR contractor licenses from 90 days to 4 years. This affects licensed HVACR contractors, including master, limited, journeyman, and apprentice license categories defined in Title 9A, by making it easier for former licensees to return to practice without restarting the full licensing process, so long as they act within the new timeframe. The act takes effect October 1, 2025.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate 46-1 and the House 135-0, indicating strong bipartisan approval and little opposition in either chamber. No committee transcript discussion was provided, but the voting history suggests the measure was viewed favorably as a practical licensing update for the HVACR industry.
Contention
The only apparent point of contention is the policy choice to extend restoration eligibility from a very short 90-day period to four years. Supporters likely viewed this as a reasonable flexibility measure for licensed tradespeople who let credentials lapse temporarily, while any opposition would likely center on whether a longer restoration window could weaken licensing discipline or reduce the incentive to maintain active licensure. However, the recorded votes show minimal resistance, with only one dissenting vote in the Senate and none in the House.