S 173 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to establish licensing standards for drain cleaners

This bill establishes a new licensing requirement for drain cleaners in Massachusetts to ensure professional standards in the field. It defines a drain cleaner as someone who removes blockages from plumbing systems within a building, such as sinks and toilets, and explicitly prohibits them from installing or cutting pipes. To become certified, individuals must complete at least 100 hours of supervised work under a licensed plumber or an established business before January 1, 2025, and pay a renewal fee of no more than fifty dollars every two years. The legislation directly affects anyone currently working as a drain cleaner or those seeking to enter the profession by creating a formal certification process managed by the state board.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Jan 2024
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jan 25, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jan 25, 2024
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors