Bill > SB1249

This bill amends the Crane Operator Licensure Act to include well drillers, establishing a new State Board of Crane Operators and Well Drillers. It expands the definitions of terms like "board," "certification," and "immediate supervision" to encompass well drilling activities, and introduces new definitions for various types of wells (environmental, geotechnical, geothermal) and related terms like "decommissioning" and "rig." The bill clarifies that it does not apply to oil and natural gas wells or normal agricultural operations. It outlines qualifications and procedures for well driller licensure, including provisions for grandfathering in experienced individuals without immediate examination, establishing categories of well drillers (expert and specialized), and requiring examinations, bonding, and insurance. The act also mandates continuing education for well drillers, sets professional standards, and introduces additional reporting requirements for well drilling activities, including intent to drill and completion reports. Furthermore, it requires drilling companies and rigs to be registered and mandates that licensed well drillers carry their identification. The bill also details grounds for refusing, suspending, or revoking a well driller's license, including negligence, incompetence, and certain criminal convictions, and allows for temporary and automatic license suspensions. Finally, it repeals the Water Well Drillers License Act.