Bill > H326

This bill amends Chapter 146 of the General Laws to update and expand definitions related to pipefitting, refrigeration, and emerging energy technologies. The bill adds definitions for geothermal heat pumps (a heating and cooling system using ground temperatures), hydrogen systems (involving hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and utilization), microreactors (small, factory-fabricated nuclear reactors), and small modular reactors (advanced nuclear reactors with power capacity up to 300 MW). These new definitions are being incorporated into the existing legal framework for pipefitting and technical licensing. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for the bureau to create regulations for examining and licensing refrigeration technicians working on residential or light commercial refrigeration systems with less than ten tons capacity. The licensing fees collected will be used to hire inspectors to enforce these new provisions. The bill is designed to modernize technical licensing regulations to accommodate new energy technologies and ensure proper professional oversight in emerging fields of refrigeration and energy systems. The legislation will take effect immediately upon passage.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H326