Another Northeastern state may see licensing for pool/spa professionals.
The Massachusetts House of Representatives are considering a bill that would require pool/spa builders and service professionals to obtain licenses to perform their work. Renewal would be required every two years. It also would limit the scope of electrical and plumbing work allowed by this license. If passed, it takes effect July 1, 2019.
H4359 passed committees in the House of Representatives and awaits scheduling for the House floor.
This represents the latest of several attempts by the Massachusetts industry to institute such licensing. Officials are holding out hope for this version, as a crucial change has taken place: Effective in January of this year, Massachusetts adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. As such, government agencies likely will seek sources of education — not only to help professionals comply with the code, but also to train inspectors to enforce it, said Lawrence Caniglia, president and CEO of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals.
“That put some urgency behind it,” he said. “It’s getting a lot of support, they understand the importance of it, and the code officials are behind it. So we’re optimistic that we’re going to get it through.”
This means 2018 may see two Northeastern states adopt licensing. As previously reported, a licensing bill passed both houses of the New Jersey legislature and awaits the governor’s signature.
