ASSEMBLY REGULATED PROFESSIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1457

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

      The Assembly Regulated Professions Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1457.

This bill establishes the New Jersey State Board of General Contractors to regulate the general contracting profession by requiring licensure by the board. The board would consist of nine members, six of whom shall have been practicing general contracting in the State for at least 10 years. The board is to establish the standards required for licensure; review the qualifications of individuals who apply for licensure; ensure the proper conduct and standards of examination; renew, suspend or revoke licenses; prescribe or change fees for examination or licensure; and maintain a record of all licensed general contractors. No person may hold themselves out as a general contractor without being licensed.

      Under the bill, to be eligible as a general contractor, one must be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, have a bachelors degree in project management, with at least 60 credits earned from courses in construction, and have successfully passed an examination in general contracting prepared by or approved by the board. The examination is to be held in the State at least four times a year at a time and place determined by the board.  The board may also arrange for reasonably required physical accommodations and facilities to conduct examinations. The board is also permitted to establish standards and procedures to provide that the examination be offered via the Internet. Individuals who have at least 10 years of experience performing general contracting services prior to the effective date of the bill and who have not declared bankruptcy or changed the name of a company during that time is exempt from these education and examination requirements, as are individuals with a license, certification, or registration issued by the State in a closely allied profession.

      Licenses issued by the board are to be renewed every two years. Fees for licensure are to be determined by the board and established by regulation. The board shall promulgate rules and regulations for implementing continuing education requirements as a condition of licensure renewal, which are to include the subject matter and content of courses of study. Once a license is issued, the licensee is to have the license readily available at the work site where general contracting services are being performed.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.