S.B. No. 176 Summary

• Establishes two license types for construction contractors: "universal licenses" for commercial and residential projects, and "residential only licenses" for residential projects exclusively in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning; refrigeration; electrical; plumbing; and hydronics trades.

• Reduces experience requirement for contractor licensure from five years to three years as a tradesperson for the licensed trade.

• Reduces continuing education requirements from ten hours per year to four hours per year in specific course requirements, with no more than ten total hours per year allowed.

• Allows contractors with existing local licenses or three years of residential contracting experience to obtain state licenses without examination during a six-month transition period following the bill's effective date.

• Creates "direct labor subcontractor" classification exempt from licensing requirements for individuals performing residential construction under contractor supervision with limited control rights.