Bill > H5109

This bill establishes a new chapter in South Carolina law to regulate mold assessment and remediation services, requiring individuals and businesses performing these services for compensation to be certified. It creates the South Carolina Mold Assessment and Remediation Board, composed of seven members appointed by the Governor, to advise the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (the "Department") on certification qualifications, professional standards, and to review applications and disciplinary matters. The bill defines key terms such as "mold" (any fungus capable of causing health issues or damage), "mold assessment" (inspecting, sampling, or evaluating mold), and "mold remediation" (removing or cleaning mold-contaminated materials over ten square feet). To be certified as a mold assessor or remediator, individuals must meet age, character, education, training, and examination requirements, and maintain specific insurance coverage. The bill outlines grounds for disciplinary action, including denial, suspension, or revocation of certification, and establishes penalties for violations, including fines and potential imprisonment for misdemeanor offenses. It also includes provisions for investigations, hearings, and allows for injunctive relief to prevent violations, while exempting property owners performing work on their own property and employees working under direct supervision. Importantly, individuals actively working in the field upon the bill's effective date will have a transition period to apply for certification without an examination, provided they meet specific criteria.

Business and Industry

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=5109&session=126&summary=B