LA HB1197

State Plumbing Board gains authority to assess administrative fines of $500-$5,000 per violation against any person or employing entity for violations of plumbing laws or regulations, without requiring a consumer complaint

Board's disciplinary powers expanded to include refusing to issue licenses, issuing cease-and-desist orders, and assessing administrative fines in addition to existing suspension/revocation authority

Grounds for discipline broadened to include: performing work without proper licensure, falsely representing oneself as licensed, abandoning work without justification, and dishonest or grossly negligent acts in performing regulated work

Disciplinary actions by other states or governmental entities (including State Licensing Board for Contractors) now constitute grounds for action by the Plumbing Board

Removes "habitual" requirement from several violation categories, allowing discipline for single instances of substandard work, code violations, or allowing unlicensed persons to perform regulated work