House Bill 406, the Real Story

As the Chairman of the Qualified Gas Contractors of Virginia for the last eight years (and a member of the organization since its inception on the Peninsula over 25 years ago), it’s Richard Hibbard’s job to be concerned about the safety of QGC contractors and the customers they serve. So when he hears about opposition to a bill amendment recently introduced in the Virginia General Assembly that could jeopardize everyone’s safety, he’s understandably worried.

The amendment in question involves House Bill No. 406 (click here to read HB406). It states:

C. Any contractor, as defined in subsection D of § 58.1-3714, who is required to obtain a state license in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 11 (§ 54.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 54.1, shall provide a copy or other satisfactory evidence of such valid state license when (i) making the initial application for and (ii) renewing the local business license required by this chapter.

In other words, this language protects customers from just anyone calling themselves a licensed contractor. Often times, consumers confuse a business license with a contractor’s license.

“What we’re trying to reinforce to customers is to verify that the contractors they are hiring are licensed by the state and not necessarily that they have a business license from the county or city,” says Hibbard. “Anybody can get a business license and call themselves XYZ Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, but don’t rely on a business license to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling when you’re hiring a contractor. They have to have one, but that’s just to collect taxes.”

According to Hibbard, opposition to this amendment is coming from the President of the Commissioner of Revenues Association for the state because it is that office’s job only to collect money and not to regulate what business is or is not eligible for a contractor’s license versus a business license.

“To us, this is a community safety issue. Virginia Natural Gas feels like it’s a safety issue, and the contractors feel it’s a safety issue. The Bill has been tabled right now until November, but we need to get public support for this thing started, and we’d like to support this amendment to House Bill 406 to require contractors to furnish credentials when they apply or reapply for their business license.”

To lend your support to the effort, contact your local representative and let them know that you are in favor of the amended language for House Bill No. 406. For additional information on the QGC of Virginia, visit their Web site at www.qgc-va.org.