SENATE FILE 342

BY  ANDERSON

A BILL FOR

An Act providing continuing education opportunities for plumbers, mechanical professionals, and contractors.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

   Section 1.  Section 105.20, subsection 6, Code 2011, is amended to read as follows:
   6.
  a.  The board shall establish continuing education requirements pursuant to section 272C.2. The basic continuing education requirement for renewal of a license shall be the completion, during the immediately preceding license term, of the number ofclassroom hours of instruction required by the board in courses or seminars which have been approved by the board.  Courses may be offered through the internet, the Iowa communications network, or other remote learning system. The board shall require at least eightclassroom hours of instruction during each licensing term.
   b.  A licensee who, for good cause, is unable to complete the instruction requirement during the immediately preceding licensing term shall be provided with a three-month extension to obtain the required instruction.
   Sec. 2.  Section 135.11, Code 2011, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  31.  The department shall offer continuing education instruction for plumbers, mechanical professionals, and contractors in accordance with the requirements established by the plumbing and mechanical systems board pursuant to section 105.20. This instruction shall be made available throughout the state and throughout the year. Courses may be offered through the internet, the Iowa communications network, or other remote learning system.
EXPLANATION
   This bill allows licensed plumbers, mechanical professionals, and contractors to obtain their required continuing education through the internet, the Iowa communications network, or other remote learning system.
   A licensee who, for good cause, is unable to complete the instruction requirement is entitled to a three-month extension to obtain the required instruction.
   The department of public health is required to offer continuing education throughout the state and throughout the year.