Bill > HB3338

This bill establishes the "Swimming Pool Contractor Licensing Act" in Oklahoma, tasking the Construction Industries Board (CIB), a state agency responsible for regulating construction-related professions, with implementing, administering, and enforcing this new licensing program. The Act defines a "swimming pool" as a permanent in-ground spa or structure intended for swimming, and a "swimming pool contractor" as an individual who installs these. After the CIB promulgates necessary rules, which must be done by November 1, 2027, individuals will need a license from the CIB to build or install swimming pools, with the license regulating minimum occupational qualifications rather than the pools themselves. The CIB will set requirements for experience, training, insurance, and examinations, and will also establish license categories and limitations. Importantly, licensed swimming pool contractors will be prohibited from performing plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work outside the scope of swimming pool construction unless they hold separate licenses for those trades, though certain plumbing work directly associated with a closed-loop swimming pool circulation system may be permitted under specific conditions. The bill also outlines provisions for initial licensure without examination for those who can demonstrate equivalent experience and training by November 1, 2027, and sets license fees to be the same as those for plumbing, electrical, and mechanical contractors, with licenses valid for one year and expiring on the licensee's birthday. The Act further details requirements for written contracts, prohibits unlicensed contractors from bringing legal claims, mandates reporting of disciplinary actions from other licensing boards, and establishes a presumption of deception for advance payments over $10,000 without supporting documentation. All fees and fines collected will go into a dedicated "Swimming Pool Contractor Revolving Fund" to support the administration and enforcement of the Act. This bill will become effective on November 1, 2026.