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1996 SESSION

964354204
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 205
Offered January 22, 1996
Requesting that the Virginia Board for Contractors consider including in its licensure exams for Class A and B contractors a section designed to test technical knowledge relating to actual structures and construction of the same and that the Board implement procedures to prevent "revolving door" contracting licensure whereby a contractor may close a business and reopen immediately using another business name.
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Patrons-- Almand, Cooper, Crittenden, Diamonstein, Grayson, Keating, Mims, Stump and Watkins; Senators: Benedetti, Norment, Waddell and Walker
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the current contractor-licensing laws do not specifically address the issue of shrink/swell soils, or the larger issue of structures; and

WHEREAS, licensure as a Class A or Class B contractor is predicated upon the provision of required information and the past performance of the applicant, including compliance with Virginia law; and

WHEREAS, licensure is also predicated upon contractual obligations and the possession of relevant knowledge as demonstrated through examination of a designated employee; and

WHEREAS, the examination tests knowledge of business practices, but does not address structural or contracting issues, per se; and

WHEREAS, one of the central purposes for professional licensing is to protect the public from unscrupulous or incompetent service providers by ensuring their accountability to professional standards; and

WHEREAS, in certain cases, contractors appear to be able to avoid the consequences of unprofessional conduct by closing their businesses and reopening under a different name, now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Virginia Board for Contractors be requested to consider including in its licensure examinations for Class A and B contractors a section designed to test technical knowledge relating to actual structures and the construction of the same. Such examination questions could determine the competency of prospective Class A and B contractors to address Uniform Statewide Building Code requirements relating to, but not limited to, foundations, foundation walls, framing, and wetproofing; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Board for Contractors be requested to implement procedures to address "revolving door" licensure problems. Such procedures should include, at a minimum, that the Board for Contractors' computer roster of contractors include the names of licenses held by and companies in which all current contractors were previously owners; and be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Board for Contractors so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly in this matter.