PA SB395

Establishes the State Board of Plumbing Contractors within the Department of State, consisting of 9 members: the Secretary of State (or designee), 2 public members, and 6 professional plumbers with at least 10 years of experience, representing different county classes and union/non-union backgrounds.

Creates three license categories: master plumber (requires 5 years experience, exam, and $500,000 liability insurance), journeyman plumber (requires 4 years/8,000 hours as apprentice, 576 hours technical education, and exam), and apprentice plumber (minimum age 16, registration required, fee not to exceed $20 biannually).

Requires 12 hours of continuing education biennially for master plumbers and 8 hours for journeyman plumbers; licenses issued on a biennial basis with fees set by regulation.

Establishes criminal penalties up to $1,500 fine or 6 months imprisonment for first violations, up to $3,000 or 1 year for subsequent violations, plus civil penalties up to $10,000; creates the Plumbing Contractors Licensure Account funded by fees and fines.

Appropriates $250,000 to the Department of State for initial implementation costs, to be repaid within 3 years; provides 18-month waiver period allowing experienced plumbers to obtain licenses without examination; majority of provisions take effect in 18 months.