| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Positive | Neutral | Neutral | Positive | Positive |
Relating to the high school instruction and licensure of a
tradesman plumber, and waiver of certain fee requirements.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 4296 would allow high school students to complete the requirements for a tradesman plumber-limited license by completing a plumbing career and technical education program. Under the bill, persons of any age may substitute completion of a such a program for the 4,000 hours work experience required to take the license examination. The bill would additionally exempt licensed plumbing career and technical education program teachers from license or registration renewal fees and continuing education requirements.
Texas Action supports HB 4296 for promoting the principles of limited government, free markets and individual liberty. While we would like to see plumbing licenses abolished entirely, this bill takes positive steps towards some occupational de-licensing reform for the profession, effectively removing barriers to entry and particularly giving high school students an additional option for entering the profession. The state should continue pursuing permanent and meaningful occupational de-licensing.