Bill > S192

This bill proposes updates to licensing regulations for refrigeration technicians and pipefitters by expanding definitions and creating new licensing requirements. Specifically, the bill adds several technical definitions to existing law, including "geothermal heat pump" (a heating and cooling system using ground temperatures), "hydrogen system" (a heating/cooling system involving hydrogen production and utilization), "microreactor" (a small, factory-made nuclear fission device), and "small modular reactor" (an advanced nuclear reactor with up to 300 MW capacity). The bill also introduces a new category of "Residential/Light Commercial Refrigeration" covering refrigerant systems under ten tons in capacity. A key provision establishes that the bureau must develop regulations for examining and licensing refrigeration technicians working on residential or light commercial refrigeration systems, with licensing fees to be used for hiring inspectors to enforce these new regulations. The bill aims to modernize licensing standards by incorporating emerging technologies like geothermal, hydrogen, and nuclear systems into existing professional licensing frameworks, and to ensure proper oversight of smaller-scale refrigeration work.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S192