AN ACT Relating to enforcement of plumbing contractor requirements;
Summary
SB 6197 strengthens Washington’s enforcement of plumbing contractor requirements by increasing the minimum and maximum monetary penalties for violations and by adding a clearer suspension framework for repeat offenders. Under the bill, a first infraction by a contractor carries a minimum penalty of $500, while the maximum penalty for a second or subsequent infraction is capped at $5,000. The bill also directs the department to adopt a penalty schedule by rule and bars administrative law judges from waiving, reducing, or suspending the penalty imposed for the infraction, though the director may waive or reduce collection for good cause.
The bill further provides that a plumbing contractor or individual who accumulates three or more infractions within a 36-month period, or five or more infractions within a five-year period, may have a certificate, license, endorsement, or registration suspended for up to two years upon recommendation of the advisory board of plumbers. It requires the suspension order to identify the infractions supporting the action, treats multiple violations from a single inspection or audit as one violation for this purpose, and requires the department to keep the advisory board updated on enforcement actions. Penalty revenue is deposited into the plumbing certificate fund, and the act takes effect January 1, 2027.
Impact
SB 6197 amends Washington statutes governing plumbing contractor licensing and enforcement, specifically RCW provisions related to plumbing contractor infractions and penalties. It increases mandatory minimum penalties, establishes a higher ceiling for repeat violations, limits adjudicative discretion to reduce penalties, and authorizes license-related suspensions for repeated noncompliance. The bill also creates administrative duties for the department, including rulemaking on penalty schedules and reporting to the advisory board, and directs collected penalties into the plumbing certificate fund.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support and little recorded opposition. It passed the Senate Labor & Commerce Committee on a 5-2 vote, then passed the full Senate 49-0, the House Labor & Workplace Standards Committee 9-0, and the full House 94-0. The unanimous floor votes suggest general agreement that stronger enforcement of plumbing contractor rules was warranted.
Contention
The main policy tension is between stronger enforcement and flexibility in penalty administration. The bill removes discretion from administrative law judges to waive, reduce, or suspend the infraction penalty, which could be viewed as ensuring consistency but also as limiting case-by-case mitigation. Another point of potential concern is the new authority to suspend licenses or registrations after repeated infractions, which affects contractors and individuals in the plumbing industry, although the recorded votes indicate these concerns did not generate significant legislative opposition.
AN ACT Relating to ensuring compliance with and enforcement of certain workplace standards and requirements applicable to employers of isolated employees;
Change residency requirements for sheriffs in certain counties, requirements for uniforms for sheriffs and deputies, and continuing education requirements for law enforcement officers