H 850 Summary

• Limits home inspector education programs to a maximum of 200 hours of instruction and updates home inspector examination and license fees, with online examinations capped at $135.00 and license issuance/renewal at $160.00.

• Establishes a voluntary apprenticeship program for code enforcement officials combining coursework and supervised work experience, with fees not exceeding program costs.

• Increases the maximum voltage rating for limited electrical contractor classifications from 600 volts to 1,000 volts, effective October 1, 2023.

• Allows the Board to charge up to $500.00 per course for reviewing and approving continuing education programs and increases court-awarded attorney's fees for violations to $5,000 plus investigation and prosecution costs.

• Requires local governments to report annually to the Department of Insurance on building permits issued by category and permits the Commission to conduct design and construction contracts for certain state property developments costing up to $750,000.