RI H8277

Allows apprentice plumbers to receive up to 288 hours of classroom credit (from accredited trade schools approved by the postsecondary commissioner and DLT apprenticeship council) toward the 576 hours of related instruction required for a journeyperson's license

Increases apprenticeship requirements for associate degree holders in plumbing/sanitary engineering from 2 years to 4 years of registration and employment under a licensed master plumber, plus completion of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training

Eliminates the alternative pathway allowing applicants to qualify for the journeyperson exam based solely on 2 years of coursework at a college, university, or trade school in plumbing or sanitary engineering

Extends the apprenticeship period for mechanical trades (pipefitting, refrigeration/air conditioning, sheet metal, fire protection sprinkler systems) from 3 years to 5 years for those with associate degrees in these fields

Takes effect immediately upon passage