The New Jersey Industry may see mandatory contractors licensing after all.
Assembly Bill 3772 has passed both the state assembly and senate. It proposes that the state require licenses to build or service pools and spas, and that these be renewed every three years.
The senate added some amendments, so the houses are currently reconciling the bill before it goes to Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, for his signature.
The bill essentially duplicates the language from last year’s Assembly Bill 224, so no negotiations were necessary, said Dominick Mondi, executive director of the Northeast Spa and Pool Association. That bill also passed both houses, despite pushback from the conservative press. But the clock ran out on last year’s session, and outgoing Governor Chris Christie did not sign it.
This is the third attempt to pass such legislation. The first bills were introduced in 2015.
The two houses will address the legislation when they return from their August recess, so the bill can pass as early as November, Mondi said. It will take effect 180 days after it passes. Some grandfathering will be allowed.
NESPA supported the bill as part of its efforts to see mandatory licensing throughout the territory it serves. So far, Connecticut and parts of New York have incorporated such laws. If New Jersey’s bill passes, only Pennsylvania will be left.
