2015 -- H 6227

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LC002713

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

____________

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- UNDERGROUND UTILITY

CONTRACTORS

     Introduced By: Representatives Keable, Chippendale, Edwards, Winfield, and

     Date Introduced: May 21, 2015

     Referred To: House Corporations

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 5-65.3-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-65.3 entitled

"Underground Utility Contractors" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     5-65.3-2. Definitions. [Effective January 1, 2015.] -- When used in this chapter:

      (1) "Board" means the contractors registration and licensing board as defined in § 5-65-

1.

      (2) "Underground utility" means the installation, repair, alteration, or replacement of

underground utilities, sewer lines, storm drainage lines or water lines, water service and laterals,

laying drains and related services outside of buildings, making connections with public and/or

private underground utilities, provided that such work is being performed in conjunction with a

municipal sewer connection or repair and is to be done between the main, lateral, related services

and/or appurtenances to within five feet (5') of the outer wall of a building or structure and

specifically excluding gas and telecommunications work and any work defined in § 28-27-28.

      (3) "Underground utility contractor" means any corporation, association, sole

proprietorship, firm, partnership, limited liability corporation, limited liability partnership, or

other business organization that is engaged in the installation, repair, alteration, or replacement of

underground utilities, outside of buildings, making connections with public and/or private

underground utilities provided that such work is being performed in conjunction with a municipal

sewer connection or repair and is to be done between the main, laterals, services and/or

appurtenances to within five feet (5') of the outer walls of a building or structure. The term

"underground utility contractor" shall include any agent, servant, and/or employee of a licensed

underground utility contractor. The term "underground utility contractor" does not include

individuals licensed under chapter 20 of this title entitled "Plumbers and Irrigators."

     SECTION 2. Chapter 5-65.3 of the General Laws entitled "Underground Utility

Contractors" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     5-65.3-26. Applicability. -- (a) Any person who engages in the construction or repair of

underground utilities as defined by this chapter in conjunction with the installation or repair of a

municipal sewer connection shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter.

     (b) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to services related to laying drains and

related services when no municipal sewer connection is made or repaired.

     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- UNDERGROUND UTILITY

CONTRACTORS

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     This act would provide that regulations and licensing necessary for underground utility

contractors shall only be required if the construction is performed in conjunction with a municipal

sewer connection.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC002713

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