Louisiana Contractor Licensing Law

Louisiana Code · 27 sections

The following is the full text of Louisiana’s contractor licensing law statutes as published in the Louisiana Code. For the official version, see the Louisiana Legislature.

La. R.S. 37:1361

CHAPTER 16. PLUMBERS

§1361. State Plumbing Board; appointments; qualifications; legislative intent; authority

A. The purpose of the legislature in enacting this Chapter is the protection of the health, safety, environment, and general welfare of all those persons who use and rely upon plumbing, and medical gas and vacuum systems for their personal or commercial needs, and the affording to such persons of an effective and practical protection against incompetent, inexperienced, or unlawful acts by persons who perform plumbing and medical gas and vacuum systems work. Further, the legislative intent is that the State Plumbing Board shall be the sole and exclusive agency in this state empowered to license natural persons and regulated business entities engaged or seeking to engage in the business of plumbing and medical gas and vacuum systems installation and verification and to ensure compliance with the licensing requirements of this Chapter. Nothing herein shall preclude any current authority of the State Licensing Board for Contractors.

B. The State Plumbing Board is created. The board, which shall be appointed by the governor, shall consist of one registered mechanical engineer who is also licensed by the State Plumbing Board, one plumbing inspector who is also licensed by the State Plumbing Board, five master plumbers, one journeyman plumber, one residential plumber limited, and two members of the public. Each appointment shall be made in the following manner: (1) The registered mechanical engineer shall be from a list of three names submitted by the Louisiana Department of Health.

(2) The plumbing inspector shall be from a list of three names submitted by the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council.

(3)(a) Three active master plumbers shall be from a list of nine names submitted by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Louisiana or its successor.

(b) Two master plumbers shall be from a list of six names submitted by the Louisiana Pipe Trades Association or its successor.

(c) Any active master plumber appointed shall be listed as the responsible master plumber for his company.

(4) The journeyman plumber shall be from a list of three names submitted by the Louisiana Pipe Trades Association or its successor.

(5) The residential plumber limited by the governor.

(6) One member of the public shall be from a list of three names submitted by the speaker of the House of Representatives.

(7) One member of the public shall be from a list of three names submitted by the president of the Senate.

C. The board shall be a corporate body, may sue and be sued, and shall possess in addition to the powers herein granted, all the usual powers incident to corporation.

D. All members shall be qualified electors of this state and, except for the public members, shall be licensed by the board. The public members shall represent the general public and shall not earn their livelihood in a construction-related industry.

E. Six members shall constitute a quorum.

F.(1)(a) The board shall be the sole and exclusive agency in this state empowered to license any natural person or regulated business entity who is engaged or who seeks to engage in the business of gas fitting work for the general public that includes installation, repair, improvement, alterations, or removal of natural gas piping, tanks, and appliances annexed to real property.

(b) Nothing in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph shall be construed to supersede any of the following:

(i) The authority of the State Licensing Board for Contractors to regulate mechanical contractors as defined in R.S. 37:2150.1.

(ii) The authority of the Louisiana Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission to regulate gas fitter installations pursuant to R.S. 40:1846.

(c) The board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations related to gas fitting, and those rules and regulations shall preempt any conflicting local laws.

(2)(a) Notwithstanding any provision of a home rule charter to the contrary, the provisions of this Section shall preempt any municipal or other local regulatory examination authority relative to gas fitters and master gas fitters.

(b) No municipal or other local regulatory authority shall require any gas fitter or master gas fitter to apply for or to maintain any gas fitter or master gas fitter's license, or any equivalent thereof, as a condition to perform gas fitting work in any municipality or other local jurisdiction unless that gas fitter or master gas fitter's license is issued by the board.

(c) A municipality or other local regulatory authority may assess and collect locally adopted fees and charges relative to gas fitting work, as defined in R.S. 37:1377, that is performed in their respective jurisdictions but only from persons licensed pursuant to R.S. 37:1368.

Acts 1964, No. 498, §1; Acts 1990, No. 752, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Acts 1999, No. 1020, §1, eff. July 9, 1999; Acts 2016, No. 297, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2017; Acts 2016, No. 515, §1; Acts 2023, No. 152, §1; Acts 2024, No. 721, §1; Acts 2025, No. 438, §1, eff. June 20, 2025.

La. R.S. 37:1367

§1367. License required; residential, journeyman, and master plumber; medical gas piping installer; medical gas and vacuum systems verifier; water supply protection specialist endorsement; gas fitter and master gas fitter; local examination preempted

A.(1) No natural person shall engage in doing the work of a residential plumber limited unless the person possesses a residential plumber limited license or renewal thereof issued by the board. At the direction of a master plumber, a residential plumber limited may independently install, alter, repair, and maintain plumbing in one- and two-family dwellings without the supervision of a journeyman plumber.

(2) No natural person shall engage in doing the work of a journeyman plumber unless the person possesses a license or renewal thereof issued by the board. A journeyman plumber may engage in the art of plumbing only when the journeyman plumber is under the employment of a master plumber licensed by this board. Any journeyman plumber that repaired plumbing independently and without the supervision of a master plumber prior to January 1, 2024, may continue to operate in such a manner for a period of five years and shall within that five-year period pass the master plumber examination to obtain a master plumber license. Apprentices may engage in the art of plumbing only when they are under the direct, constant, on-the-job supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber. Direct, constant, on-the-job supervision means that a licensed journeyman plumber will supervise apprentices as governed by Louisiana Works.

B. No natural person shall engage in the work of a master plumber unless he possesses a master plumber's license or renewal thereof issued by the board. A master plumber shall not engage in the work of a journeyman plumber unless he currently possesses or previously possessed a journeyman plumber's license issued by the board. A person issued a master plumber's license shall designate to the board, as required by the regulations of the board, an employing entity, which may be a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. A licensed master plumber shall notify the board of any change of employment status with an employing entity. A master plumber shall designate no more than one employing entity at any time.

C. No employing entity shall hold itself out as engaging in the business or art of plumbing unless it employs a master plumber. For purposes of this Section, employment of a master plumber means employment on a regular paid basis for actual services performed supervising journeyman plumbers.

D. The board shall adopt regulations to implement this Section.

E. This Section shall preempt municipal or other local regulatory examination authority over master plumbers, notwithstanding any contrary provision of any home rule charter. Municipal or other local regulatory authorities may assess and collect locally adopted fees and charges relative to plumbing work as defined in R.S. 37:1377 performed in their respective jurisdictions, but only to persons licensed under R.S. 37:1368.

F. No natural person shall engage in doing the work of a medical gas piping installer unless he possesses a license or renewal thereof issued by the board.

G. No natural person shall engage in the work of a water supply protection specialist unless he possesses a license or renewal thereof issued by the board as a journeyman plumber or master plumber and also possesses a special endorsement issued by the board pertaining to his work as a water supply protection specialist.

H. No natural person shall engage in doing the work of a medical gas and vacuum systems verifier unless he possesses a license or renewal thereof issued by the board. Inspection and verification work performed by such person shall be conducted in person and at the physical site of the medical gas and vacuum systems subject to his verification.

I.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, any person or firm who is not licensed by the State Plumbing Board, but who is properly licensed for municipal and public works utility construction pursuant to the requirements of the State Licensing Board for Contractors, may perform main-line utility construction on private property or undedicated rights-of-way or servitudes, limited to the following:

(a) Gravity sanitary sewer collection lines six inches and larger, including manholes, main lines, wyes, and tees.

(b) Sewer force mains four inches and larger.

(c) Water mains four inches and larger, including fire hydrants, valves, and fittings.

(2) The provisions of this Subsection shall not pertain to gas mains within the boundary lines of any private property, nor shall they pertain to any service lines.

J.(1) No person shall engage in performing the work of a gas fitter or master gas fitter unless he possesses a license or renewal thereof issued by the board.

(2) The provisions of this Subsection shall not apply to work performed by persons on their own residences.

Acts 1990, No. 752, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Acts 1993, No. 43, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994; Acts 1995, No. 824, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1020, §1, eff. July 9, 1999; Acts 2003, No. 815, §1; Acts 2008, No. 743, §7, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2014, No. 561, §1; Acts 2016, No. 297, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2017; Acts 2016, No. 515, §1; Acts 2023, No. 152, §1; Acts 2024, No. 721, §1.

La. R.S. 37:1377

§1377. Definitions; exceptions

A. Master plumber. A "master plumber" is a natural person who possesses the necessary qualifications and knowledge to plan and lay out plumbing systems; who supervises journeyman plumbers in the installation, alteration, and/or repair of plumbing systems; and who is licensed as such by the board.

B.(1) Journeyman plumber. A "journeyman plumber" is a natural person who possesses the necessary qualifications and knowledge to install, alter, repair, and maintain plumbing systems; is licensed as such by the board; is supervised by a master plumber; and is in the employ of an employing entity.

(2) Residential plumber limited. A " residential plumber limited" is a natural person who possesses the necessary qualifications and knowledge to install, alter, repair, and maintain plumbing systems and is licensed by the board to install, alter, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in one- and two-family dwellings at the direction of a master plumber without the supervision of a journeyman plumber.

C.(1) Apprentice plumber. An "apprentice plumber" is a natural person engaged in learning the plumbing trade by working under the direct, on-the-job supervision of a journeyman plumber and in the employ of an employing entity. Apprentice plumbers shall be indentured in an apprenticeship program approved by Louisiana Works or unindentured and in the employ of an employing entity.

(2) Apprentice gas fitter. An "apprentice gas fitter" is a natural person engaged in learning the gas fitting trade by working under the direct, on-the-job supervision of a gas fitter and in the employ of an employing entity. Apprentice gas fitters shall be indentured in an apprenticeship program approved by Louisiana Works or may be unindentured and in the employ of an employing entity.

D. Plumbing. "Plumbing" is the work or business of installing in buildings and on premises the pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus for supplying water, or removing liquid waste and/or water-borne waste, and fixtures, vessels and process piping that is in direct contact with products for human consumption. The term is also used to designate the installed fixtures, drainage fixtures and water distribution systems of buildings or premises. For purposes of this Chapter the definition of plumbing given above will not include:

(1) Water used in manufacturing establishments for processing products that are not for human consumption.

(2) Drilling of water wells.

(3) Community water supply distribution system or systems.

(4) Community sewage collection or treating system or systems.

(5) Fixtures, vessels or piping used by manufacturing establishments for removal of any waste other than human, vegetable or animal waste.

(6) All piping used for heating or cooling where it is not directly connected with a potable water supply system.

(7) All piping used for conveying oil, gas or other hydrocarbons.

(8) Work done by an individual on his own personal residence.

(9) Work done by an owner, management company, its agents, employees, or assigns for maintenance work to be carried out upon the owner's property, as such maintenance work is defined by rules of the State Plumbing Board. Such maintenance work shall specifically not include construction or installation.

E. Exceptions. Provided, however, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the term "plumbing" shall not include pipes, fixtures, and other apparatus of any nature whatsoever used in manufacturing plants, or used in the exploration for, production of, or transportation of oil, gas, or other minerals, whether before, during, or after installation.

F. Medical gas piping. "Medical gas piping installation" is the work or business of installing in buildings and premises piping used solely to transport gases for medical purposes.

G. Water supply protection. "Water supply protection" is the work or business of installing, repairing, or maintaining backflow prevention devices hooked directly to a drinking water supply system and located on the property of the entity owning the water supply system and associated with "plumbing" as that term is defined in this Section.

H. Medical gas and vacuum systems verifier. A "medical gas and vacuum systems verifier" is a natural person who possesses the necessary qualifications and knowledge to test and verify the operation of medical gas and vacuum pipeline systems, subject to the professional qualifications standard established by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering Series 6000, Standard No. 6030, and who is licensed as such by the board.

I. Gas fitter. A "gas fitter" includes any natural person who possesses the necessary qualifications and knowledge to install, alter, repair, improve, remove, or test natural gas piping, tanks, and appliances annexed to real property but does not include any person who is licensed by the Louisiana Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission or any services or work performed pursuant to such a license.

J. Master gas fitter. A "master gas fitter" includes any natural person who possesses the necessary skills, abilities, proficiency, and qualifications to plan and lay out the details for installing and supervising the work of installing, repairing, and maintaining types of materials and equipment used for the construction, repair, removal, or improvement to natural gas piping systems and tanks annexed to real property but does not include any person who is licensed by the Louisiana Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission or any services or work performed pursuant to such a license.

K. Gas fitting. "Gas fitting" means the work or business of installing, repairing, improving, altering, or removing natural gas piping, fittings, valves, or tanks used for conveying fuel gas for appliances on or in premises or in buildings annexed to immovable property. For purposes of this Chapter, gas fitting does not include the following:

(1) The installation or maintenance of piping by any entity of a municipal or gas district system that is subject to the regulatory authority of the Public Service Commission, the New Orleans City Council, or the office of pipeline safety in the Department of Conservation and Energy.

(2) Any work done by a person who is licensed by the Louisiana Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission or any other services performed pursuant to such a license.

(3)(a) Piping connection, disconnection, or reconnection from the outlet side of the appliance shutoff valve to the appliance inlet.

(b) The following persons or entities shall not be construed as a gas fitter or master gas fitter for any purposes of this Chapter solely due to the performance of services described in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph:

(i) Any person or business entity licensed by the State Licensing Board for Contractors as a mechanical contractor.

(ii) Any person or business entity classified under the heating, air conditioning, ventilation, duct work, and refrigeration subclassification of mechanical contractors pursuant to R.S. 37:2156.2.

Acts 1964, No. 498, §1; Acts 1968, No. 298, §1; Acts 1990, No. 752, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Acts 1990, No. 771, §1; Acts 1992, No. 447, §4; Acts 1995, No. 824, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1020, §1, eff. July 9, 1999; Acts 2008, No. 743, §7, eff. July 1, 2008; Acts 2016, No. 297, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2017; Acts 2016, No. 515, §1; Acts 2018, No. 253, §1, eff. May 17, 2018; Acts 2023, No. 150, §11, eff. Jan 10, 2024; Acts 2023, No. 152, §1; Acts 2024, No. 721, §1.

La. R.S. 37:1431

§1431. Definitions

As used in this Chapter, the following words have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) "Active licensee" means any currently licensed person whose license has not been transferred to inactive status and who is authorized to act in the capacity of a real estate broker or salesperson as provided for in this Chapter.

(2) "Agent" or "real estate agent" means a licensee acting in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter in a real estate transaction.

(3) "Associate broker" means a person who holds a broker's license and who is exclusively affiliated with and sponsored by another licensed real estate broker to participate in any activity described in this Section.

(4) "Broker" or "real estate broker" means a licensed real estate broker performing activities as an individual real estate broker, a sponsoring broker or designated qualifying broker, or a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company which has been granted a real estate license through a designated qualifying broker.

(5) "Buyer" means the transferee in a real estate transaction, and includes a person who executes an offer to purchase or lease real estate from a seller, whether alone or through an agent, or who seeks the services of an agent with the object of entering into a real estate transaction. "Buyer" includes a lessee.

(6)(a) "Buyer agreement" means a written document signed by a broker and a buyer detailing the services to be provided by the broker to the buyer.

(b) For the purposes of this Paragraph and R.S. 37:1448.4, the following terms shall mean:

(i) "Buyer" means a person who utilizes the services of a real estate licensee in connection with the purchase of, or the submission of an offer to purchase, a home or who utilizes or seeks to utilize the services of a real estate licensee with the objective or purported objective of entering into a contract to purchase a home.

(ii) "Home" means residential real property consisting of one or not more than four residential dwelling units, which are buildings or structures each of which is occupied or intended for occupancy as a single-family residence.

(7) "Buyer's agent" means a licensee who is employed by and represents only the buyer in a real estate transaction, regardless of whether such agent's compensation is paid by the buyer directly or by the seller through a commission split with the listing agent.

(8) "Client" means one who engages the professional advice and services of a licensee as his agent and whose interests are protected by the specific duties and loyalties imposed by that relationship.

(9) "Commingling" means putting personal funds and funds belonging to other persons in one mass or mixing the funds together so they cannot be identified or differentiated.

(10) "Commission" means the Louisiana Real Estate Commission unless used in the context of compensation.

(11) "Dealing in options" means a person, firm, partnership, limited liability company, association, or corporation directly or indirectly taking, obtaining, or using an option to purchase, exchange, rent, or lease real property or any interest therein with the intent or for the purpose of buying, selling, exchanging, renting, or leasing said real property or interests therein to another or others, whether or not said option is in his name and whether or not title to said property passes through the name of said person, firm, partnership, limited liability company, association, or corporation in connection with the purchase, sale, exchange, rental, or lease of such real property in interest.

(12) "Franchise agreement" means an agreement whereby one party, the franchisor, authorizes a real estate broker, the franchisee, to use registered trademarks or other advertising tools to create a common identity among several brokers nationally or regionally for marketing purposes.

(13) "Inactive licensee" means any currently licensed person whose license has been transferred to inactive status and who is not authorized to act in the capacity of a real estate broker or salesperson as provided for in this Chapter.

(14) "Individual real estate broker" means a natural person licensed as a real estate broker and does not mean a licensed corporation, limited liability company, or partnership licensed as a real estate broker.

(15) "Licensee" means any person who has been issued a license by the commission to participate in any activity described in this Section.

(16) "Listing agent" means an agent as defined by this Section who has obtained a listing of real estate to act as an agent for compensation.

(17) "Listing agreement" means a written document signed by all owners of real estate or their authorized attorney in fact authorizing a broker to offer or advertise real estate described in such document for sale or lease on specified terms for a defined period of time. A listing agreement shall only be valid if signed by all owners or their authorized attorney in fact.

(18) "Mold" means any form of multicellular fungi that live on plant or animal matter and in indoor or outdoor environments. Types of mold often found in water-damaged building materials include but are not limited to cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria, aspergillus, fuarim, trichoderma, memnoniella, mucor, and strachybotrys chartarum.

(19) "Net listing agreement" means a listing agreement that authorizes a broker to take as his commission the difference between the higher sale price at which the real estate property is sold and the stipulated net price agreed upon to be received by the seller.

(20) "Property management" means the marketing, leasing, or overall management of real property for others for a fee, commission, compensation, or other valuable consideration.

(21) "Property manager" means one who, for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration, manages real estate, including the collection of rents, supervision of property maintenance, and accounting for fees received for another.

(22) "Qualifying broker" means the sponsoring broker for a licensed corporation, limited liability company, or partnership and is the individual real estate broker designated by a licensed corporation, limited liability company, or partnership, by resolution, as its representative in all matters relating to its real estate business activities in Louisiana and in administrative and regulatory matters before the commission.

(23) "Real estate" shall mean and include condominiums and leaseholds, as well as any other interest in land, with the exceptions of oil, gas and other minerals and whether the real estate is situated in this state or elsewhere.

(24) "Real estate activity" means any activity relating to any portion of a real estate transaction performed for another by any person, partnership, limited liability company, association, or corporation, foreign or domestic, whether pursuant to a power of attorney or otherwise, who for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration or with the intention, in the expectation, or upon the promise of receiving or collecting a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration:

(a) Sells, exchanges, purchases, manages, rents, or leases or negotiates the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or leasing of real estate.

(b) Offers or attempts or agrees to negotiate the sale, exchange, purchase, management, rental, or leasing of real estate.

(c) Lists or offers or attempts or agrees to list for sale or lease any real estate or the improvement thereon.

(d) Buys or offers to buy, sells or offers to sell, or otherwise deals in options on real estate or the improvements thereon.

(e) Advertises or holds himself, itself, or themselves out as engaged in the business of selling, exchanging, purchasing, managing, renting, or leasing real estate.

(f) Assists or directs in the procuring of prospects or the negotiation or closing of any transaction, other than mortgage financing, which results or is calculated to result in the sale, exchange, managing, leasing, or renting of any real estate, other than a provider of information, ideas, and materials to guide homeowners in the sale of their own property.

(g) Is engaged in the business of charging an advance fee or contracting for collection of a fee in connection with any contract whereby he undertakes primarily to promote the sale, exchange, purchase, rental, or leasing of real estate through its listing in a publication issued primarily for such purpose, or for referral of information concerning such real estate to brokers, or both.

(h)(i) Sells or attempts to sell or offers or attempts to negotiate the sale of any business whose assets include real estate or leases of real estate.

(ii) Lists or offers or attempts or agrees to list for sale any business whose assets include real estate or leases of real estate.

(25) "Real estate continuing education vendor" means any school, place, individual, or institution certified by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission which offers courses or seminars in real estate and related subjects to fulfill continuing education requirements for license or certificate renewal purposes.

(26) "Real estate salesperson" means a person, other than an associate broker, sponsored by a licensed real estate broker to participate in any activity described in this Section.

(27) "Real estate school" includes any place or institution certified by the commission which is open to the public for the instruction or training of individuals to engage in the selling of real estate.

(28) "Real estate transaction" means the selling, offering for sale, buying, offering to buy, soliciting for prospective purchasers, managing, offering to manage, leasing, offering to lease, renting, or offering to rent any real estate or improvements thereon, or any business or other entity whose assets include real estate or leases of real estate.

(29) "Seller" means the transferor in a real estate transaction, and includes an owner who lists real estate with an agent, whether or not a transfer results, or who receives an offer to purchase or lease real estate property of which he is the owner from an agent on behalf of another. "Seller" includes a lessor.

(30) "Sponsoring broker" means any individual real estate broker who sponsors associate brokers or real estate salespersons who participate in any activity described in this Section.

(31) "Subagent" means a licensee, other than a listing agent or a buyer's agent, who acts in cooperation with a listing agent in a real estate transaction.

(32) "Timeshare developer" means an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or other legal entity, or the successor or assignee thereof, who creates a timeshare plan or who is in the business of making sales of timeshare interests which it owns or purports to own.

(33) "Timeshare interest salesperson" means a person who directly sells or offers to sell any timeshare interest.

(34) "Timeshare registrant" means timeshare interest salespersons or timeshare developers registered by the commission.

Acts 1978, No. 514, §1; Acts 1979, No. 404, §1; Acts 1981, No. 309, §1; Acts 1983, No. 381, §1; Acts 1983, No. 380, §1; Acts 1983, No. 270, §1; Acts 1983, No. 552, §2; Acts 1986, No. 841, §1; Acts 1989, No. 655, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1990, No. 893, §1; Acts 1991, No. 354, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 1207, §§1, 2; Acts 1997, No. 845, §1; Acts 2003, No. 1123, §1, eff. July 2, 2003; Acts 2006, No. 351, §1; Acts 2015, No. 81, §1; Acts 2024, No. 690, §1, eff. Aug. 19, 2024.

La. R.S. 37:1437.1

§1437.1. Timeshare registration

A. Any person or entity desiring to engage directly in the business of selling timeshare interests must register with the commission.

B.(1) The application for registration shall be in such form as may be required by the commission and in accordance with R.S. 9:1131.9.

(2) The commission shall approve or deny such applications for registration within forty-five days from receipt of the application by the commission.

(3) When an applicant has been convicted of forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money under false pretenses, larceny, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, or theft or has been convicted of a felony that the commission finds is directly related to real estate activity pursuant to R.S. 37:2950, the conviction may in itself be sufficient grounds for refusal of a timeshare interest sales registration.

(4) When an applicant has made a false statement of material fact on his application, such false statement may in itself be sufficient grounds for refusal of a timeshare interest sales registration.

(5) Grounds for suspension or revocation of a registration, or real estate license, or the previous revocation of a real estate license or registration in Louisiana or any other jurisdiction, shall be grounds for refusal to grant a timeshare interest sales registration.

(6) A timeshare registration shall not be issued to any person who has not attained the age of eighteen years. A timeshare interest sales registration shall not be issued to any person who is not a high school graduate or the holder of a certificate of high school equivalency.

C. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to a licensed real estate broker or salesperson or to employees of a timeshare developer registered under this Section.

D. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, a timeshare developer may not avoid liability to timeshare purchasers for the acts of timeshare interest salespersons or real estate licensees on the basis that the timeshare interest salesperson or real estate licensee is merely an independent contractor.

E. Every nondeveloper timeshare sales registrant shall file and maintain with the Louisiana Real Estate Commission a bond issued by a surety company authorized to do business in this state in the amount of ten thousand dollars. This bond shall be in favor of the state for the use, benefit, and indemnity of any person who suffers any damage or loss as a result of the sale registrant's unfair or deceptive practice or other violation of law in connection with the sale offer or solicitation to sell of a timeshare interest.

F. Except for the provisions contained in R.S. 9:1131.12, the changes and additions effected by Act No. 999 of the 1985 Regular Session of the Legislature shall not apply to any timeshare project approved to operate by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission on or before June 1, 1985, if all of the following conditions have been met:

(1) Protection under the federal bankruptcy law has not been filed.

(2) The developer has not been suspended by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission.

(3) The project has been actively and consistently marketed as a timeshare project, if approved prior to July 20, 1984.

G. Any timeshare interest salesperson or seller of a timeshare interest shall comply with the provisions of the Louisiana Real Estate License Law and the rules adopted pursuant thereto, including licensure, unless otherwise exempt.

(1) The Louisiana Real Estate License Law shall not apply to a timeshare developer registered under this Section, acting as sole owner or sole lessor of real estate solely owned or solely leased by the developer, a registered affiliated entity, or a registered wholly-owned subsidiary of the developer.

(2) The Louisiana Real Estate License Law shall not apply to an existing timeshare owner who refers prospective purchasers, for compensation, provided that the existing timeshare owner adheres to all of the following:

(a) Refers no more than twenty prospective purchasers in any calendar year.

(b) Limits such activities to referring prospective purchasers of timeshare interests to the developer or the developer's employees or agents.

(c) Does not show, discuss terms or conditions, or otherwise participate in negotiation with regard to timeshare interests.

Added by Acts 1983, No. 552, §2; Acts 1984, No. 943, §2, eff. July 20, 1984; Acts 1985, No. 999, §§2,4; Acts 1989, No. 655, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 2003, No. 978, §1; Acts 2016, No. 533, §1; Acts 2024, No. 644, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1985, NO. 999, §5.}}

La. R.S. 37:1446

§1446. Compensation; independent contractor status of salespersons and associate brokers

A. No payment of a commission or compensation shall be made by any licensee or registrant to any person who has not first secured a license or registration under the provisions of this Chapter. This Subsection shall not apply to a nonresident broker who is currently licensed in his state of residence.

B. No payment of a commission or other compensation shall be made by any broker to any licensee when the paying broker has knowledge that the receiving licensee has agreed to pay or intends to pay or otherwise deliver a portion of the commission or compensation to an unlicensed person or entity.

C. Associate brokers, salespersons, and timeshare interest salespersons shall not pay or offer to pay any commission or valuable consideration for the performance of any act herein specified.

D. Payment of a commission or compensation may be made to and accepted by former licensees and registrants for transactions negotiated by them while duly licensed or registered by the commission.

E. An active licensee may accept compensation for transactions that were initiated by the licensee while under sponsorship of a former sponsoring or qualifying broker, provided that the compensation is transmitted through the current sponsoring or qualifying broker.

F. An active real estate licensee shall not accept a commission or other valuable consideration for the performance of any act herein specified, or for performing any act relating thereto, from any person, except their sponsoring or qualifying broker.

G. Associate brokers and salespersons may assign or direct that commissions or other compensation earned in connection with a real estate transaction be paid by their licensed sponsoring broker to an unlicensed corporation of which the associate broker or salesperson is the sole officer, director, and shareholder, or an unlicensed limited liability company of which the associate broker or salesperson is the sole manager.

H. A sponsored real estate licensee shall be an independent contractor of the sponsoring or qualifying broker for all purposes and shall not be an employee of the sponsoring or qualifying broker, if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The real estate salesperson or associate broker is a licensee.

(2) Substantially all of the sponsored licensee's remuneration for the services performed is directly related to sales or other output rather than the number of hours worked.

(3) There is a written agreement between the sponsored licensee and the sponsoring or qualifying broker that specifies that the sponsored licensee will not be treated as an employee.

Acts 1978, No. 514, §1; Acts 1989, No. 655, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1995, No. 1207, §1; Acts 1997, No. 845, §1; Acts 1999, No. 452, §2; Acts 2003, No. 321, §1; Acts 2006, No. 332, §1, eff. July 1, 2006; Acts 2016, No. 533, §1.

La. R.S. 37:1447

§1447. Referral fees; interference with brokerage relationships

A.(1) It is unlawful for any person, including but not limited to a relocation company, to directly or indirectly solicit or request a referral fee or similar payment for the referral of a buyer or seller unless the person seeking the referral fee has reasonable cause. Reasonable cause shall not exist unless:

(a) The person seeking the referral fee introduced the client to the licensee or registrant from whom the referral fee is being sought; or

(b) The person seeking the referral fee has a written contractual relationship with the licensee or registrant for a referral fee or similar payment; and

(c) The licensee or registrant has received the client referral prior to the client contracting to buy or list real estate with the licensee or registrant.

(2) The solicitation or request of a referral fee or similar payment in accordance with this Subsection shall not create a legal right to be paid such fee or payment.

B. It is unlawful to interfere with a real estate brokerage relationship. The demand for a referral fee from a licensee or registrant when reasonable cause for payment does not exist constitutes interference with a real estate brokerage relationship. A threat by a third party to reduce, withhold, or eliminate any relocation benefits in order to generate a referral fee from a licensee or registrant when reasonable cause for payment does not exist also constitutes interference with a real estate brokerage relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, communications between an employer or its representative and an employee concerning relocation policies and benefits shall not constitute interference with a real estate brokerage relationship.

C. It is unlawful for any person, licensed or unlicensed, to interfere with the contractual relationship between a licensee or registrant and a client by counseling a client or another licensee or registrant on how to terminate or amend an existing contractual relationship between a licensee or registrant and a client. Communicating a company's relocation policy or benefits to an employee or consumer shall not be considered a violation of this Subsection as long as the communication does not involve advice or encouragement on how to terminate or amend an existing contractual relationship between a licensee or registrant and a client.

D. A prevailing party in any action for violations of this Section may be awarded actual damages, plus reasonable attorney fees. In addition to bringing an action in court, violations of this Section may be addressed through mediation services. Such mediation services shall include but shall not be limited to mediation through real estate entities who specifically offer programs for resolving complaints involving real estate referral fees.

Acts 2001, No. 261, §1.

La. R.S. 37:1460.1

§1460.1. Continuing education; meetings and conferences; approved vendors; approval process; exceptions

A. A vendor which has been licensed by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission to provide continuing education courses to licensees of the commission shall be exempt from the continuing education approval processes as set forth in the Louisiana Administrative Code or prescribed by the commission when seeking approval of the following:

(1) Courses offered to obtain certifications or designations awarded by the National Association of REALTORS or its affiliated institutes, societies, and councils.

(2) Live courses offered once a year in any one location and in conjunction with a conference, meeting, forum, or similar event held or sponsored by a state or local real estate trade association, or any institutes, societies, or councils affiliated with a state or local real estate trade association.

B. In order for licensees to earn continuing education credit for courses delineated in Subsection A of this Section, the vendor of the course shall submit the course for approval pursuant to the process set forth in this Section.

C.(1) To obtain approval for continuing education credit for the courses delineated in Subsection A of this Section, a vendor shall submit the following information to the executive director of the commission by electronic mail at least forty-five days prior to the planned date of the course:

(a)(i) The date, location, and time the course will be provided.

(ii) If the date, location, or time of the course has not been finalized, the vendor shall state reasons for the uncertainty and submit the omitted information at least ten days before the course is taught.

(b)(i) For courses described in Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section, for initial approval, the vendor shall submit either the course materials, course syllabus, or both, if available. In applications for renewal, the vendor shall submit a brief summary of the course content.

(ii) For courses described in Paragraph (A)(2) of this Section, the vendor shall submit either the course content or a brief summary of the course content.

(c) The name and qualifications of every instructor involved in conducting the course.

(d) The number of credit hours.

(2) The executive director shall notify the vendor of whether the course has been approved or denied approval within seven calendar days of submission for approval.

(3) If approval is denied by the executive director, the question of approval shall be placed on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the commission. At the meeting, the commissioners shall vote to either uphold the decision of the executive director or to approve the course for continuing education credit.

D.(1) Any course described in Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section and approved pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be valid for continuing education credit for three years from the date of approval or renewal.

(2) If a course described in Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section has not been approved for renewal before the expiration of the three-year time period, it shall not be acceptable for use as continuing education credit.

E.(1) Any state department, office, board, or commission may offer any course for continuing education credit for real estate licensees without being licensed as a real estate education vendor.

(2) Any state department, office, board, or commission seeking to offer any course for continuing education credit for real estate licensees shall submit the course for approval pursuant to the provisions of this Section and shall be exempt from course and instructor approval requirements provided for in the Louisiana Administrative Code or prescribed by the commission.

F. The following shall apply to any course submitted for approval or approved for continuing education pursuant to the provisions of this Section:

(1) The commission shall not require a separate process to approve the instructor of the course.

(2) If there is a change in the instructor, the vendor shall provide the executive director with the name of the new instructor and a brief statement as to why the instructor is qualified to conduct the course, at least seven days prior to the course.

(3) Neither the commission nor any third-party contractor shall require or request that the vendor or instructor provide an instructor guide, a narrative of the information to be presented in the course, a detailed course outline, time allotment for topics, detailed learning objectives, or instructional methods or aids, when the vendor is seeking approval or renewal of approval of a course.

(4) Neither the commission nor any third party shall require the vendor or instructor to submit additional information about the course content, delivery method, or instructor unless for use in addressing a formal written complaint that may be received by the commission about the course or instructor.

Acts 2019, No. 110, §1.

La. R.S. 37:1466

§1466. Errors and omissions insurance; mandatory for all licensees

A. All active licensees licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter are mandated to carry errors and omissions insurance to cover all activities contemplated under this Chapter.

B. The commission shall make the insurance mandated under this Section available to all licensees by contracting with an insurance provider having a current rating in A.M. Best of A or better for a group policy after competitive, sealed bidding and awarding such contract pursuant to requirements established by the commission. Such issuance and award shall be exempt from the provisions of Chapters 16 and 17 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

C. Any policy obtained by the commission must be available to all licensees with no right on the part of the insurance provider to cancel any licensee.

D. Licensees shall have the option of obtaining errors and omissions insurance independently, provided that the coverage contained in such policy complies with the minimum requirements established by the commission.

E. The commission shall determine the terms and conditions of coverage mandated under this Section, including but not limited to the minimum limits of coverage, the permissible deductible, and permissible exemptions.

F. An active licensee that elects to obtain independent errors and omissions insurance shall file a form verifying that they have independent coverage, as prescribed by the commission, with the annual license renewal.

G. Active licensees applying for inactive status and those licensees renewing their license while in an inactive status may do so without the required coverage mandated by this Section.

H. Should the commission be unable to obtain errors and omissions insurance coverage to insure all licensees who chose to participate in the group insurance program at a reasonable cost, not to exceed five hundred dollars for coverage, the insurance requirement mandated by this Section shall be void during the applicable contract year.

Acts 1988, No. 849, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1989, No. 655, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1995, No. 1207, §1; Acts 1997, No. 845, §1; Acts 2001, No. 924, §1; Acts 2016, No. 533, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2150

CHAPTER 24. CONTRACTORS

PART I. GENERAL

§2150. Purpose; legislative intent

The purpose of the legislature in enacting this Chapter is the protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of all those persons dealing with persons engaged in the contracting vocation, and the affording of such persons of an effective and practical protection against the incompetent, inexperienced, unlawful, and fraudulent acts of contractors with whom they contract. Further, the legislative intent is that the State Licensing Board for Contractors shall monitor construction projects to ensure compliance with the licensure requirements of this Chapter.

Added by Acts 1976, No. 82, §2, eff. July 8, 1976. Acts 1989, No. 559, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2150.1

§2150.1. Definitions

As used in this Chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) "Board" means the State Licensing Board for Contractors.

(2) "Commercial" means any construction project except residential structures intended to be primarily occupied as a residence with no more than two separate dwelling units incorporated into one structure.

(3) "Contract" means an agreement to perform a scope of work that is regulated by this Chapter. The project value includes the entire cost of the labor, materials, rentals, and all direct and indirect project expenses. The cost of materials, rentals, and direct and indirect expenses shall be included regardless of who pays the costs or if they are donated. The "principal contract" is the agreement to perform the entire scope of work for a construction project.

(4)(a) "Contractor" means any person who undertakes to, attempts to, or submits a price or bid or offers to construct, supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, perform, or in any manner assume charge of the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, furnishing labor, or furnishing labor together with material or equipment, or installing material or equipment for any of the following:

(i) Any building, highway, road, railroad, sewer, grading, excavation, pipeline, public utility structure, project development, housing, or housing development, improvement, or any other construction undertaking for which the project value is fifty thousand dollars or more when the property is to be used for commercial purposes.

(ii) Any new residential structure for which the project value is fifty thousand dollars or more when the property is used for residential purposes.

(iii) Any improvements or repairs to an existing residential structure for which the project value is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more.

(iv) Any mold remediation for which the project value is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more.

(b) The term "contractor" includes persons who receive an additional fee for the employment or direction of labor, or any other work beyond the normal architectural or engineering services.

(c) A contractor holding a license in the major classification of hazardous materials, or any subclassifications thereunder, is defined in terms of work performed for which the project value is one dollar or more.

(d) "Contractor" does not mean any person, supplier, manufacturer, or employee of such person who assembles, repairs, maintains, moves, puts up, tears down, or disassembles any patented or proprietary equipment supplied by such person to a contractor to be used solely by the contractor for a construction undertaking. "Proprietary" means specific and specialized equipment installation, manufacturing processes, used, or components that are protected from disclosure to third parties by the owner or manufacturer of the equipment.

(5) "Controlled access" means the complete building or facility area under direct physical control within which an unauthorized person is denied access.

(6) "Electrical contractor" means any person who undertakes to, attempts to, or submits a price or bid or offers to construct, supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, perform, or in any manner assume charge of the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, or furnishing labor together with material and equipment, or installing the same for the wiring, fixtures, or appliances for the supply of electricity to any residential, commercial, or other project, for which the project value is ten thousand dollars or more. This Paragraph is not deemed or construed to limit the authority of a contractor, general contractor, or residential contractor, as those terms are defined in this Section, nor to require such individuals to become an electrical contractor.

(7) "Employee" means a worker whose employer deducts taxes from his wages and reports his annual earnings to the Internal Revenue Service using a W-2 form.

(8) "Executive director" means the person appointed by the board to serve as the chief operating officer in connection with the day-to-day operation of the board's business. The executive director is the appointing authority for all employees of the board.

(9)(a) "General contractor" means a person who contracts directly with the owner. The term "general contractor" includes the term "primary contractor" and wherever used in this Chapter or in regulations promulgated thereunder "primary contractor" means "general contractor".

(b) "General contractor" does not mean any person, supplier, manufacturer, or employee of such person who assembles, repairs, maintains, moves, puts up, tears down, or disassembles any patented or proprietary equipment supplied by such person to a contractor to be used solely by the contractor for a construction undertaking.

(10) "Home improvement" means the reconstruction, alteration, renovation, repair, modernization, conversion, improvement, removal, or demolition, or the construction of an addition to any preexisting residential structure which building is used or designed to be used as a residence or dwelling unit, or to structures which are adjacent to such residence or building for which the project value is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more. "Home improvement" does not include services rendered gratuitously.

(11) "Home improvement contractor" means any person who undertakes or attempts to undertake or submits a price or bid or offers to construct, supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, perform, or in any manner assume charge of a home improvement project for which the project value is at least seven thousand five hundred dollars but less than fifty thousand dollars. A home improvement contractor shall not perform any structural work that is integral to the structural integrity of any new or existing structure, including but not limited to footings, foundations, outside walls, skeleton, bearing columns and interior load bearing walls, floor slabs, or roofing systems to any type.

(12) "License" means any form of license or registration the board is authorized to issue in accordance with this Chapter.

(13) "Mechanical contractor" means any person who undertakes to, attempts to, or submits a price or bid or offers to construct, supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, perform, or in any manner assume charge of the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, or furnishing labor, or furnishing labor together with material and equipment, or installing the same for the construction, installation, maintenance, testing, and repair of air conditioning, refrigeration, heating systems, and plumbing for all residential, commercial, and industrial applications as well as ventilation systems, mechanical work controls, boilers and other pressure vessels, steam and hot water systems and piping, gas piping and fuel storage, and chilled water and condensing water systems and piping, including but not limited to any type of industrial process piping and related valves, fittings, and components, for which the project value is ten thousand dollars or more. This Paragraph is not deemed or construed to limit the authority of a contractor, general contractor, or residential contractor, as those terms are defined in this Section, nor to require such individuals to become a mechanical contractor.

(14) "Mold remediation contractor" means any person who engages in removal, cleaning, sanitizing, demolition, or other treatment, including preventative activities, of mold or mold-contaminated matter that was not purposely grown at that location for which the project value is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more. Mold remediation applies only to the regulation of mold-related activities that affect indoor air quality and does not apply to routine cleaning when not conducted for the purpose of mold-related activities intended to affect indoor air quality.

(15) "Person" means any individual, firm, partnership, association, cooperative, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or any other entity recognized by Louisiana law; and whether or not acting as a principal, trustee, fiduciary, receiver, or as any other kind of legal or personal representative, or as a successor in interest, assignee, agent, factor, servant, employee, director, officer, or any other representative of such person; or any state or local governing authority or political subdivision.

(16) "Plumbing contractor" means any person who installs, maintains, and repairs potable and nonpotable tap water or sewer systems within a building structure or residential structure for which the project value is ten thousand dollars or more.

(17) "Principal" means an owner, shareholder, or an officer or director of a corporation; a member or manager of a limited liability company; a general partner of a partnership; a sole proprietor; a trustee; or a full-time employee with similar operational control or significant influence with respect to any person as determined by the board.

(18) "Qualifying party" means a natural person designated by the contractor to represent the contractor for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this Chapter including but not limited to meeting the requirements for the initial license and any continuation thereof.

(19)(a) "Residential contractor" means any person who constructs a fixed building or structure for sale or use by another as a residence or who, for a price, commission, fee, wage, or other compensation, undertakes or offers to undertake the construction or superintending of the construction of any residential structure which is not more than three floors in height, to be used by another as a residence, for which the project value is fifty thousand dollars or more. The term "residential contractor" includes all persons who receive an additional fee for the employment or direction of labor, or any other work beyond the normal architectural or engineering services.

(b) "Residential contractor" includes both of the following:

(i) Any person bidding or performing home improvement for which the project value is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more.

(ii) Any person performing the installation of a modular home with a value equal to or greater than fifty thousand dollars for which the total project value shall not include the cost of the component parts of the modular home in the condition each part leaves the factory pursuant to R.S. 40:1730.71.

(c) "Residential contractor" does not include any person engaged in building residential structures that are built to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's construction standards for manufactured housing as outlined at 42 U.S.C. 5401 et seq., or mounted on a metal chassis and wheels.

(20) "Residential roofing" means the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, furnishing labor, or furnishing labor together with materials or equipment, or the installation of materials or equipment for any phase of roofing specific to a residential structure for which the project value is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more.

(21) "Residential roofing contractor" means any person who undertakes to, attempts to, or submits a price or bid, or offers to construct, supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, perform, or in any manner assume charge of a residential roofing project for which the project value is seven thousand five hundred dollars or more.

(22) "Residential structure" means a building or structure that is used primarily for occupancy by a person as a residence. Such structures or buildings include but are not limited to single family dwellings and duplexes which are not more than three floors in height and structures that are part of or adjacent to the building or structures to be used as a residence. A residential structure more than three floors in height may be built by a person holding a building construction and residential construction license.

(23) "Subcontract" means an agreement to perform a portion of the scope of work contained in the principal contract including the entire cost of labor and materials of that part of the principal contract which is performed by the subcontractor.

(24)(a) "Subcontractor" means a person who contracts to perform a scope of work that is a part of the scope of work contained in the principal contract.

(b) "Subcontractor" does not include any person, supplier, or manufacturer who assembles, repairs, maintains, moves, puts up, tears down, or disassembles any patented or proprietary equipment supplied by such person to a contractor to be used solely by the contractor for a construction undertaking.

Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 638, §1, eff. Feb. 1, 1996; Acts 1997, No. 146, §1; Acts 1997, No. 770, §1; Acts 2003, No. 643, §1; Acts 2003, No. 1146, §2; Acts 2007, No. 398, §1; Acts 2008, No. 725, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; Acts 2019, No. 371, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2024, No. 178, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2151

§2151. State licensing board for contractors; membership; qualifications; tenure; vacancies; term limits

A. There is hereby created the State Licensing Board for Contractors within the office of the governor. The members shall serve without compensation.

(1) Each member shall be of full age of majority and shall have been a resident of the state of Louisiana for the last five successive years.

(2) Each member shall have been actively engaged as a responsible contractor in the construction classification that he represents for the five-year period prior to his appointment as a board member, except for any member appointed pursuant to Paragraph (B)(7) of this Section if he represents the public at large.

(3) There shall be at least one board member from each congressional district in the state of Louisiana.

B. The members shall be selected and appointed as follows:

(1) At least four members shall have had the greater part of their experience as a licensed contractor in the field of highway and street construction. Three members shall be appointed from a list of six names submitted by the Louisiana Associated General Contractors. One member shall be appointed from a list of three names submitted by the Louisiana Asphalt Pavement Association.

(2) At least six members shall have had the greater part of their experience as a licensed contractor in the fields of building or industrial construction, or both fields. Two members shall be appointed from a list of four names submitted by the Louisiana Associated General Contractors. Four members shall be appointed from a list of eight names submitted by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Louisiana.

(3) At least one member shall have had the greater part of his experience as a licensed contractor in the field of mechanical construction, and shall be appointed from a list of three names submitted by the Mechanical Contractors Association of Louisiana.

(4) At least one member shall have had the greater part of his experience as a licensed contractor in the field of electrical construction, and shall be appointed from a list of three names submitted by the Louisiana Council of the National Electrical Contractors Association.

(5) There shall be one member with the greater part of his experience as a licensed concrete contractor. The speaker of the House of Representatives shall submit to the governor a list of three members of the Louisiana Concrete Association, and the governor shall appoint this member.

(6) There shall be one member with the greater part of his experience as a subcontractor. The president of the Senate shall submit to the governor a list of three members of the American Subcontractors Association of Louisiana, and the governor shall appoint this member.

(7) At least three members shall be from and represent the public at large and shall not earn their livelihood in a construction-related industry.

(8) At least one member shall have had the greater experience as a licensed contractor in the field of oil field construction and shall be appointed from a list of three names submitted by the Louisiana Oilfield Contractors Association.

(9) There shall be one member from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

C. All vacancies shall be filled within ninety days of the vacancy, by appointment of the governor within the classification of area and qualification where the vacancy shall occur.

D. Members shall serve terms of six years. No member appointed after August 1, 2025, shall serve more than three consecutive terms. A member may be removed by the governor for cause or at the request of the chairman for failure to attend more than half of the regularly scheduled meetings within a twelve-month period or for cause.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 233, §1; Amended by Acts 1964, No. 113, §1; Acts 1976, No. 377, §1; Acts 1981, No. 668, §1; Acts 1984, No. 916, §1, eff. July 20, 1984; Acts 1985, No. 645, §1, eff. July 16, 1985; Acts 1991, No. 649, §§1 and 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1992, No. 344, §1; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2001, No. 8, §12, eff. July 1, 2001; Acts 2018, No. 529, §1; Acts 2019, No. 371, §1; Acts 2024, No. 227, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1984, NO. 916, §2.}}

La. R.S. 37:2154

§2154. Meetings; compensation; quorum; books and records; audit report

A. The board shall have at least one regular meeting per month on dates and times designated by the chairman unless, for good cause, a monthly meeting cannot be held. Notice of board meetings shall be posted on the board's official website and at the board office at least ten days prior to the date when the board is to meet.

B. Before a special meeting may be held, notice stating the time, place, and purpose of the meeting shall be sent by the chairman or vice chairman of the board by electronic means to the members of the board, at least three days before the date of the meeting.

C. Each member of the board shall be reimbursed when actually in attendance of a board meeting or when he is required to travel for the official authorized business of the board, not more than seventy-five dollars per day plus actual expenses and mileage to and from his domicile to the place of meeting at the same rate of reimbursement set by the division of administration for state employees under the provisions of R.S. 39:231.

D. Ten members of the board shall constitute a quorum, which shall be sufficient for the board to conduct business, regardless of the total number of members appointed.

E. There shall be no voting by proxy.

F. The treasurer shall be responsible for receiving and accounting for all money derived from the operation of this Chapter.

G. The board shall maintain a roster showing the names and places of business of all licensed contractors. The roster shall be maintained and available on the board's official website.

H. The secretary of the board shall oversee and attest to the minutes of each meeting. Copies shall be made available to each board member and to the public upon adoption of the minutes at the next scheduled meeting of the board.

I. Within one hundred fifty days of the last day of each calendar year, a certified public accounting firm approved by the state official charged with the auditing of public records and accounts shall audit the financial records of the board and submit the report of his audit to the legislative auditor and shall file a copy of his audit with the secretary of state to be attached to the report of the board on file.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 233, §4; Amended by Acts 1960, No. 455, §1; Acts 1962, No. 184, §1; Acts 1964, No. 113, §4; Acts 1974, No. 684, §1; Acts 1981, No. 668, §1; Acts 1984, No. 51, §1; Acts 1984, No. 915, §1; Acts 1984, No. 916, §1, eff. July 20, 1984; Acts 1985, No. 599, §1; Acts 1989, No. 559, §1; Acts 1992, No. 344, §1; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2018, No. 529, §1; Acts 2019, No. 371, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1.

{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1984, NO. 916, §2.}}

La. R.S. 37:2155

§2155. Residential Contractors Subcommittee; membership; terms; powers; duties

A. There is hereby established within the board the Residential Contractors Subcommittee, hereinafter referred to as "residential subcommittee", consisting of five members who shall be residents of this state and who have been actively engaged in residential contracting for at least five years prior to appointment by the governor. Three members of the residential subcommittee shall be appointed by the governor from a list of not less than ten names submitted by the Louisiana Homebuilders Association as certified by its president and secretary. One member of the residential subcommittee shall be from and appointed to represent the first congressional district, one member shall be from and appointed to represent the second congressional district, one member shall be from and appointed to represent the third congressional district, one member shall be from and appointed to represent the fourth and fifth congressional districts, and one member shall be from and appointed to represent the sixth congressional district.

B. The terms of office of the initial members appointed to the residential subcommittee shall be one for a three-year term, one for a two-year term, and one for a one-year term, to be determined by the governor. Thereafter, all members shall be appointed for six-year terms. All terms shall commence thirty days after the appointment and all members shall serve until their successors have been appointed and qualified. Vacancies occurring in the membership of the residential subcommittee for any reason shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the unexpired term. No member appointed after August 1, 2025, shall serve more than three consecutive terms. A member may be removed by the governor for cause or at the request of the chairman for failure to attend more than half of the regularly scheduled meetings within a twelve-month period or for cause.

C. The executive director of the board shall serve as executive director of the residential subcommittee and shall not have voting privileges.

D.(1) A member of the board shall serve as an ex officio member of the residential subcommittee and shall serve as the liaison between the residential subcommittee and the board. He shall be appointed by the chairman of the board and shall serve as the chairman of the residential subcommittee. His presence at a meeting of the residential subcommittee may be counted toward establishing a quorum of the residential subcommittee, and he shall have voting privileges only if either of the following circumstances exists:

(a) His presence is necessary to establish a quorum of the residential subcommittee and there is a tie vote between the appointed members of the residential subcommittee.

(b) His presence is necessary to establish a quorum of the residential subcommittee, only one appointed member of the residential subcommittee is present, and an additional ex officio member has been appointed pursuant to Paragraph (2) of this Subsection.

(2) An additional ex officio member of the board shall serve on the residential subcommittee only if his presence, along with the ex officio member serving pursuant to Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, is required to establish a quorum of the residential subcommittee. This additional ex officio member shall be appointed by the chairman of the board and shall serve as the vice chairman of the residential subcommittee. He shall have voting privileges only if there is a tie vote between an appointed member of the residential subcommittee and the ex officio member serving as chairman of the residential subcommittee.

(3) The board shall pay per diem and travel expenses for ex officio members.

E. A quorum of the residential subcommittee shall consist of a majority of its members which shall be sufficient to conduct residential subcommittee business, and the residential subcommittee shall meet at least once every other month to conduct its business unless, for good cause, a meeting cannot be held. Notice of residential subcommittee meetings shall be posted on the board's official website and at the board office at least ten days prior to the date when the residential subcommittee is to meet.

F. Each member of the residential subcommittee shall be entitled to a per diem allowance of seventy-five dollars for each meeting he attends and be reimbursed for all travel expenses necessarily incurred in attending meetings.

G. Subject to the approval of the board, the residential subcommittee has all of the following powers and duties:

(1) To adopt rules and regulations to govern residential and home improvement contractors in this state.

(2) To issue, suspend, or revoke licenses to do business in this state pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 37:2150 et seq.

(3) To prescribe and adopt regulations and policies for continuing education. However, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the residential subcommittee shall not approve for use by licensees any continuing education courses or written training programs provided by a member of the residential subcommittee or legal entity in which he has a controlling interest.

(4) To cause the enforcement against, and the prosecution and enjoinder of, all persons violating provisions of this Chapter, and rules and regulations of the board; issue fines, penalties, and other costs for violations; and incur necessary expenses therein.

(5) If an alleged violation is known to the residential subcommittee, the residential subcommittee may correct it or take appropriate action without formal complaint.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 233, §5. Amended by Acts 1964, No. 113, §5; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2019, No. 371, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2156

§2156. Applications; licenses; fees; renewals

A.(1) Upon application, the license of a person shall be issued, upon approval by the board, after all the requirements have been met.

(2) No application may be considered from any state or local governmental body including, without limitation, any agency of any state or local governmental body including any corporation or other entity owned or controlled by any state or local governing body.

B.(1) To defray the cost of issuing licenses and of administering the provisions of this Chapter, the board shall fix reasonable fees to be assessed pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, and reasonable penalties to be assessed for late applications for renewal of licenses; however, the basic license fee shall be the sum of not more than one hundred dollars and the fee for additional classifications shall be a lesser amount as set by the board.

(2) All fees received by the board in accordance with this Chapter shall be solely used to effectuate the provisions of this Chapter.

(3) All fees shall be paid prior to the issuance of a license or other changes or additions to an existing license.

C. Fees for licenses shall not exceed the following amounts:

(1) Examination fee $ 50.00

(2) License fee $ 100.00

(3) Renewal fee $ 100.00

(4) Delinquent fee $ 50.00

(5) Home improvement fee $ 50.00

D. The board may assess an additional surcharge of not more than four hundred dollars in connection with the application for and issuance of a contractor's license to a contractor not domiciled in this state, to be utilized to defray the additional cost of the investigation of the application of the non-Louisiana contractor.

E. When issuing a license to any contractor, the board shall state the contractor's classification on the license for which he has completed all of the requirements.

F.(1) The licensee shall not be permitted to bid or perform any type of work not included in the classification under which his license was issued.

(2) A person licensed or registered by the board shall bid, contract, conduct all business transactions, and perform work in the name as it appears on the current license or registration and the official records of the State Licensing Board for Contractors.

G. A licensee may add classifications to an existing license by applying, successfully completing all requirements, and paying the required fees. Additions or changes to an existing license shall become effective upon board approval.

H.(1) Licenses and renewals issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter shall expire on the anniversary of the date on which the license was originally issued. Licensees shall elect upon renewal one-, two-, or three-year license renewal terms, and licenses may be issued by the board on a multiple-year basis, not to exceed a three-year renewal term for any license. Licenses dependent on insurance requirements or certifications shall not be eligible for multiple-year renewal. The license becomes invalid on the last day of the term for which it was issued unless renewed; however, after a license has expired, the person to whom the license was issued shall have fifteen days following the expiration date to file an application for the renewal of the license without the payment of a penalty. Any person who makes an application for the renewal of a license after fifteen days following the expiration date of the license shall be charged a delinquent fee not exceeding the sum of fifty dollars.

(2) Licenses or classifications issued based on certifications or credentials shall expire upon the expiration date of the credential or certification.

I. All applications are considered active for a period of one year after the date of submission. Applications not completed for any reason shall be considered invalid after that time.

J. If a license is not renewed within a period of one year from the date of its expiration, it is no longer eligible for renewal. An application for a new license may be submitted and upon approval, a new license shall be issued.

K.(1) The board shall assess on each license renewal issued to a contractor an additional fee of one hundred dollars per year to be dedicated and allocated as provided in this Subsection to any public university in this state or any community college school of construction management or construction technology in this state that is accredited by either the American Council for Construction Education or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The board shall include on each license renewal form issued to a contractor an optional election whereby the contractor may choose to not participate in the remission of the additional one-hundred-dollar dedication fee.

(2) Each January, each accredited public university or community college school of construction management or construction technology shall report to the board the number of graduates from its school of construction management or construction technology from the previous calendar year.

(3) Any and all funds collected pursuant to this Subsection shall be disbursed to the accredited public university or community college schools of construction management or construction technology by October first of each year upon completion of the annual audit of the board. The funds shall be used by the accredited public university or community college schools of construction management or construction technology solely for the benefit of their program and the expenditure of such funds shall be approved by the industry advisory council or board for the program. The funds collected pursuant to this Subsection shall be in addition to any other monies received by such schools and are intended to supplement and not replace, displace, or supplant any other funds received from the state or from any other source. Any school of construction management or construction technology that experiences a decrease in the funding appropriated to them by the accredited public university or community college as determined by the industry advisory council or board for the program shall be ineligible for participation under the provisions of this Subsection, and the monies from the fund for such school of construction management or construction technology shall be redistributed on a pro rata basis to all other accredited and eligible schools.

(4) The funds collected pursuant to this Subsection shall be distributed as follows:

(a) One-half on a pro rata basis to each accredited public university's or community college's schools of construction management or construction technology. However, each accredited public university shall receive twice as much funds as each community college.

(b) One-half pro rata to each accredited public university school of construction management or construction technology based on the total number of graduates from the previous calendar year from each school as reported to the board.

(5) No funds shall be allocated to any public university or community college school of construction management or construction technology that does not maintain current and active accreditation as required by this Subsection.

L. The licenses issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter are not transferable.

M. No license shall be issued to any domestic or foreign entity required to be registered with the secretary of state which does not hold a certificate of authority to do business in good standing.

N. Except for the licenses, fees, and assessments authorized by this Chapter, and except for the occupational license taxes authorized by the constitution and laws of this state, and except for permit fees charged by parishes and municipalities for inspection purposes, and except for licenses required by parishes and municipalities for the purpose of determining the competency of mechanical or plumbing contractors, or both, and electrical contractors, no contractor shall be liable for any fee or license as a condition of engaging in the contracting business.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 233, §6. Amended by Acts 1960, No. 192, §1; Acts 1962, No. 184, §1; Acts 1964, No. 113, §6; Acts 1975, No. 702, §1; Acts 1976, No. 82, §1, eff. July 8, 1976; Acts 1981, No. 668, §1; Acts 1984, No. 915, §1; Acts 1988, No. 635, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 473, §1; Acts 2001, No. 968, §1; Acts 2004, No. 352, §1; Acts 2005, No. 240, §1; Acts 2008, No. 576, §1; Acts 2013, No. 195, §1; Acts 2014, No. 791, §11; Acts 2018, No. 387, §1; Acts 2019, No. 371, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2156.1

§2156.1. Requirements for issuance of a license

A. To become licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, an applicant shall make application to the board on a form adopted by the board and shall state the classifications for which he is applying from the list of major classifications listed herein or from the list of subclassifications and specialty classification as adopted by rule. The major classifications are:

(1) Building construction.

(2) Highway, street, and bridge construction.

(3) Heavy construction.

(4) Municipal and public works construction.

(5) Electrical.

(6) Mechanical.

(7) Plumbing.

(8) Hazardous materials.

(9) Residential construction.

(10) Mold remediation.

(11) Home improvement.

B.(1) An applicant for a license or registration shall submit a financial statement on a form supplied by the board, current to within twelve months of the date of filing the application, prepared and signed by an accountant, bookkeeper, or certified public accountant and signed by the applicant, attesting the statement is true and correct. In lieu of a signature by a certified public accountant on the board's form, a current financial statement prepared by a certified public accountant may be attached.

(2) Residential and commercial licenses, their subclassifications, and all specialty classifications with the exception of labor only specialty, shall have a net worth of fifty thousand dollars or more. Home improvement, mold remediation, and labor only specialties shall have a net worth of twenty-five thousand dollars or more. An applicant without the net worth required by this Paragraph may satisfy the net worth requirement for all purposes by submitting an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of the net worth requirement plus the amount of the applicant's negative net worth if any. The financial statement and any information contained therein, as well as any other financial information required to be submitted by a contractor, shall be confidential and not subject to the provisions of the Public Records Law, R.S. 44:1 et seq.

C. The applicant, each principal, and each designated qualifying party shall complete an application and pass a background investigation. An applicant shall provide all information or documentation requested by the board, including but not limited to documentation relative to identification, criminal history, and financial history. The board may deny approval of the applicant, any of its principals, or any qualifying party for cause. The background investigation shall be conducted in relation to all of the following:

(1) Fiduciary or monetary matters including but not limited to any bankruptcy, judgment, insolvency, or lien.

(2) Any criminal offense resulting in a conviction, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere.

D.(1) An applicant for licensure shall designate a qualifying party for each classification and for the Louisiana business and law requirement. The qualifying party shall meet all application requirements and shall satisfy any examination and credential requirement.

(2) Any principal or full-time employee as defined in this Chapter may be the qualifying party of an applicant or licensee upon the satisfaction of all requirements.

(3) A qualifying party may also be a qualifying party for any subsidiary of a licensee.

(4) The board may exempt any qualifying party from the required examinations. The board shall exempt from testing for a residential construction license any person who holds a building construction license that was issued by the board.

(5) Upon the determination that a person has engaged in deceptive practices when taking or attempting to take any board examination, the person shall be ineligible to serve as a qualifying party for a licensee for a period of three years.

E. Residential construction and its subclassifications, mold remediation, and home improvement applicants shall be required to submit certificates evidencing workers' compensation coverage in compliance with Title 23 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and liability insurance in a minimum amount of one hundred thousand dollars or liability protection provided by a liability trust fund as authorized by R.S. 22:46(9)(d) in a minimum amount of one hundred thousand dollars.

F.(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any residential home improvement or mold remediation licensee in good standing with the board for not less than one consecutive year may apply to transfer the license to an inactive status.

(2) An inactive licensee shall follow the same renewal requirements as an active licensee as provided in this Chapter, including the payment of fees, with the exception of the submission of current insurance certificates.

(3) An inactive licensee shall be required to fulfill all prescribed continuing education requirements established for active licensees.

(4) A licensee may request transfer from inactive status to active status at any time, if:

(a) The inactive license has been renewed as provided for in this Section.

(b) The inactive license is current at the time the request is received by the board.

(c) The licensee submits the required insurance certificates as provided in Subsection E of this Section.

G. Before a license is issued, a mold remediation license applicant shall be required to furnish evidence to the board that he has satisfactorily completed at least twenty-four hours of training in mold remediation and basic mold assessment.

H.(1) Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical contractors licensed pursuant to the provisions of this Section are excluded from local, municipal, or parish regulatory authority examination procedures and may bid and perform work within any local jurisdiction upon paying all appropriate fees.

(2) The purpose of this Subsection is to preempt local, municipal, or parish regulatory examination authority for statewide-licensed mechanical, plumbing, or electrical contractors bidding and performing work in multiple jurisdictions. The preemption shall further exclude the employees of statewide-licensed electrical and mechanical contractors from local, municipal, or parish regulatory examination or certification authority as a condition to performing work for the statewide-licensed electrical or mechanical contractor.

I.(1) Any plumbing contractor who currently holds a Master Plumber License from the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana shall be exempt from any trade examination requirement.

(2) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to permit plumbing contractors to perform plumbing work without first complying with the licensure provisions of Chapter 16 of this Title, R.S. 37:1361 et seq.

J. The board may consolidate, add, or remove subclassifications or specialties by rule as it deems appropriate.

Added by Acts 1976, No. 82, §2, eff. July 8, 1976. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 668, §1; Acts 1983, No. 295, §1; Acts 1988, No. 635, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 1989, No. 559, §1; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 148, §1; Acts 1997, No. 769, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1175, §1; Acts 2008, No. 725, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; Acts 2012, No. 163, §1; Acts 2019, No. 371, §§1, 2; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

NOTE: See Acts 1988, No. 635, §§2, 3.

La. R.S. 37:2157

§2157. Exemptions

A. The provisions of this Part shall not apply to any of the following:

(1) Any public utility providing gas, electric, or telephone service which is subject to regulation by the Louisiana Public Service Commission or the council of the city of New Orleans, or to any work performed by the public utility in furnishing its authorized service.

(2) Owners of property who supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, or in any manner assume charge of the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, or maintenance of any building, railroad excavation, project, development, improvement, plant facility, or any other construction undertaking, on that property, for use by the owner, and which will not be for sale or rent, and the control of access to which shall be controlled by the owner so that only employees and nonpublic invitees are allowed access.

(3) Any person donating labor and services for the supervision and construction of or for the maintenance and repair of a building dedicated to worship owned by a legally established church. An affidavit of exemption shall be provided to obtain the building permit on a form provided by the board.

(4) Any farmer doing construction for agricultural purposes on leased or owned land.

(5) Any person bidding or performing work on any project totally owned by the federal government.

(6) Any person engaged in rail or pipeline construction activities performed on property he owns or leases.

(7) Any person volunteering labor for the construction of a project which is funded by the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant, Louisiana Small Towns Environment Program.

(8) Any person, supplier, or manufacturer who assembles, repairs, maintains, moves, puts up, tears down, or disassembles any patented or proprietary equipment supplied to a contractor to be used solely for a construction project.

(9) The manufactured housing industry or any person engaged in any type of service, warranty, repair, or home improvement work on factory-built, residential dwellings that are mounted on chassis and wheels.

(10) Any person bidding or performing work on any project paid for by monies from the Oilfield Site Restoration Fund or Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

(11) Any work covering dewatering or water mitigation.

(12) Any employee of any licensee.

(13) Owners of property who supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, or in any manner assume charge of the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down, or maintenance of their personal residences, if the homeowner does not build more than one residence per year. The one-year period shall commence on the date of issuance of the certificate of occupancy. However, an owner of property may build more than one single-family dwelling in a one-year period if the construction of an additional residence occurs as a result of a change in the legal marital status of the owner or change in the employment status of the owner whereby the owner must relocate to another employment location, which is located in excess of fifty miles from his personal residence. An affidavit of exemption shall be provided to obtain the building permit on a form provided by the board.

(14) Persons performing the work of a residential contractor in areas or municipalities that do not have a permitting procedure.

(15) The following persons are exempt from home improvement licensure:

(a) A residential property owner who physically performs the home improvement work on his personal residence.

(b) Persons licensed as a building construction contractor or residential contractor.

(c) Any person who works exclusively in any of the following home improvement areas:

(i) Landscaping.

(ii) Interior painting or wall covering.

(16) The following persons are exempt from mold remediation licensure:

(a) A residential property owner who performs mold remediation on his own property.

(b) An owner or tenant, or a managing agent or employee of an owner or tenant, who performs mold remediation on property owned or leased by the owner or tenant. This exemption does not apply if the managing agent or employee engages in the business of performing mold remediation for the public.

(17) Any person performing work as a subcontractor for a residential construction license holder, except for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, mold remediation, asbestos, or hazardous materials scopes of work.

(18) Any person performing home improvement work for a building construction license holder, except for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, mold remediation, asbestos, or hazardous material scopes of work.

(19) Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing licensees who are acting exclusively within the scope of their classification.

B. The provisions of this Section shall not be construed to waive local and state health and life safety code requirements.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 233, §7. Amended by Acts 1962, No. 184, §1; Acts 1964, No. 113, §7; Acts 1966, No. 292, §1; Acts 1968, No. 212, §1; Acts 1976, No. 377, §1; Acts 1979, No. 544, §1; Acts 1979, No. 782, §1; Acts 1980, No. 606, §1, eff. July 23, 1980; Acts 1981, No. 668, §1; Acts 1982, No. 832, §1; Acts 1985, No. 982, §1; Acts 1988, No. 635, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 1989, No. 559, §1; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 21, §1; Acts 2003, No. 643, §1; Acts 2003, No. 902, §1; Acts 2003, No. 1146, §2; Acts 2011, No. 107, §2; Acts 2019, No. 371, §1; Acts 2020, No. 242, §2; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2024, No. 178, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2158

§2158. Revocation and suspension of licenses; issuance of cease and desist orders; debarment; violations; penalty; criminal penalty

A. No person may engage in the business of contracting, or act as a contractor as defined in this Chapter, unless he holds an active license as a contractor in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. The board and residential subcommittee may revoke, suspend, or refuse to renew a license; issue cease and desist orders to stop work; issue fines and penalties; or debar any person licensed pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter for any of the following violations:

(1) Undertaking, attempting to, or submitting a price or bid; offering to construct, supervise, superintend, oversee, direct, or in any manner assume charge of the construction, alteration, repair, improvement, movement, demolition, putting up, tearing down; furnishing labor or furnishing labor together with material or equipment; or installing material or equipment for any building, highway, road, railroad, sewer grading, excavation, pipeline, public utility structure, project development, housing, or housing development, improvement, or any other construction undertaking without possessing a license for which a license is required or without possessing a license with the proper classification.

(2) Publishing, transmitting, distributing, or otherwise publicly circulating a misleading or false claim related to a person's license status or classification in any medium, including but not limited to digital platforms.

(3) Any dishonest or fraudulent act as a contractor which has caused damage to another, as adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(4) Bidding on, quoting, estimating, or performing a job for which a license is required, the licensee shall hold the classification for the majority of work performed.

(5) Misrepresentation of fact by an applicant in obtaining a license; misrepresentation of fact by an applicant or licensee in providing information, statements, or documents to the staff or board; deception by omission; and providing false testimony to the board.

(6) Failure to comply with the provisions of this Chapter or the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto.

(7) Entering into a contract with an unlicensed contractor involving work or activity for the performance of which a license is required by this Chapter.

(8)(a) Permitting a license to be used for any purpose by any person other than the person to whom the license is issued.

(b) Misrepresentation or fraudulent use of a license for any purpose by any person other than the person to whom the license is issued.

(9) Failure to maintain a qualifying party to represent the licensee.

(10) Failure to continue to fulfill any of the requirements for licensure.

(11) Problems relating to the ability of the contractor, its qualifying party, or any of its principals to engage in the business of contracting.

(12) Disqualification or debarment by any public entity.

(13)(a) Failure to provide written notification to the board of any change to the information provided in the original application and any amendments thereto within thirty calendar days.

(b) Failure to provide written notification to the board of a criminal, civil, or administrative action instituted or pending in another jurisdiction against or involving the licensee or a principal of the licensee within thirty days.

(14) Assisting a person to circumvent the provisions of this Chapter.

(15) Failure of a contractor performing residential construction, home improvement, or mold remediation in accordance with this Chapter to provide, in writing to the party with whom he has contracted to perform services, his name, license number, classification, and current insurance certificates evidencing the amount of liability insurance maintained and proof of workers' compensation coverage when requested by the contracting party for whom the work is to be performed.

(16) Abandoning or failing to perform, without justification, any contract or project engaged in or undertaken by any licensee or deviating from or disregarding plans or specifications in any material respect without the consent of the owner and the design professional.

(17) Efforts to deceive or defraud the public.

(18) Failure to obtain a permit to perform work or beginning work prior to the issuance of a permit in the jurisdiction as required or misrepresenting the value or scope of work.

(19) Failure to obtain inspections as required by law.

(20) Failure to have a written contract signed and dated by all parties.

(21) Failure to bid, contract, or perform work in the name as it appears on the current license or registration and the official records of the board.

(22) Failure to maintain and provide to the board requested records, documents, and other information as required within five business days of receipt of request.

(23) It is a violation for a mold remediation contractor to:

(a) Fail to provide a written report to each person for whom he performs such services for compensation.

(b) Render, submit, subscribe, or verify false, deceptive, misleading or unfounded opinions or reports.

(c) Perform both mold assessment and mold remediation on the same property.

(d) Own an interest in both the entity which performs mold assessment services and the entity which performs mold remediation services on the same property.

B.(1) In determining the value of a project, any division of a contract or scope of work into parts which would avoid the necessity of a license to bid, contract, or perform the work will be disregarded, and the divided parts of the contract or scope of work will be treated as one contract or scope of work for purposes of determining whether a license is required.

(2) For the purpose of determining a scope of work, the board shall review whether the contract or contracts in question constitute a single scope of work or whether they constitute separate scopes of work. The board may be guided in this interpretation by a review of the drawings, plot plans, blueprints, architectural plans, site maps, technical drawings, engineering designs, sketches, diagrams, black lines, blue lines, drafts, or other renderings depicting the total scope of work.

C. In the event of a revocation of a license or a qualifying party status, the person or qualifying party shall be ineligible to apply for a license or qualifying party status for three years following the revocation.

D. The board may refuse to license any entity that has been debarred pursuant to R.S. 39:1672. Further, the board may hold a hearing for any licensee debarred pursuant to R.S. 39:1672 and suspend or revoke a license, order the licensee to discontinue all work on a construction project, or further debar a person or licensee from bidding on projects for any public entity for up to three years.

E. Any party to the proceeding who is aggrieved by the action of the board may appeal the decision in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq.

F. In accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, R.S. 49:950 et seq., any person who applies for and is denied a license by the board, or whose license has been revoked, rescinded, or suspended, may appeal to the Nineteenth Judicial District Court in and for the parish of East Baton Rouge to determine whether the board has abused its discretion.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 113, §8. Amended by Acts 1964, No. 113, §8; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 773, §1; Acts 2009, No. 156, §1; Acts 2012, No. 163, §1; Acts 2019, No. 371, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2159

§2159. Written contract required; claims of unlicensed persons

A. Every agreement to perform contracting services that requires licensure or registration as defined by this Chapter shall include all of the following documents and information:

(1) The complete agreement between the parties, including a clear description of any other documents which are or shall be incorporated into the agreement.

(2) The full names, addresses, and the license number of the contractor.

(3) A description of the work to be performed.

(4)(a) The total amount agreed to be paid for the work to be performed under the contract.

(b) An approximation of the cost expected to be borne by the owner under a cost-plus contract or a time-and-materials contract.

(5) The signature of all parties.

(6) Current certificates of insurance providing proof of workers' compensation coverage and the amount of liability coverage maintained for any licensee for which insurance is a requirement.

B. At the time of signing, all parties shall be furnished with a copy of the signed contract. No work shall begin prior to the signing of the contract by all parties.

C. Contracts which fail to comply with the requirements of this Section shall not be invalid solely because of noncompliance.

D. No contractor who fails to obtain a license as provided for in this Chapter shall be entitled to file a statement of claim or a statement of lien or privilege with respect to monetary sums allegedly owed under any contract, whether express, implied, or otherwise, when any provision of this Chapter requires that the contractor possess a license in order to have properly entered into such a contract.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 233, §9; Amended by Acts 1964, No. 113, §9; Acts 1976, No. 82, §1, eff. July 8, 1976; Acts 1984, No. 915, §1; Acts 1985, No. 599, §2; Acts 1988, No. 635, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2019, No. 371, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2024, No. 178, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2160

§2160. Local regulatory authority; permit offices; staff; building permits

A. Each month the staff of the board may inspect the list of permits issued by each local building permit official in this state to ensure that no person is working as a contractor without an active license. Upon request, parish and municipal permitting authorities shall provide to board staff all unredacted documents relating to building permits, applications, and inspections.

B. A local building department shall not issue a building permit to any person who does not hold an active license in the appropriate classification for the scope of work for which the permit is issued. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a local building department from issuing a permit for work that does not require a license pursuant to this Chapter.

C. The local building permit official shall require any applicant claiming an exemption for residential construction activities to execute an affidavit attesting to the claimed exemption. Such affidavit shall be executed on a form provided by the board and submitted to the local building permit official prior to the issuance of a permit.

D. The provisions of this Chapter shall preempt any municipal or other local regulatory examination authority over all licensees. If the governing authority or any municipality or parish finds that the state minimum standards do not meet its needs, the local government may provide requirements not less stringent than those specified by the state.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 233, §10. Amended by Acts 1962, No. 184, §1; Acts 1964, No. 113, §10; Acts 1981, No. 668, §1; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2001, No. 802, §1; Acts 2009, No. 156, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2161

§2161. Construction management

A. Any person who performs, attempts to perform, or submits a price, bid, or offer to perform work in construction management whose scope of authority and responsibility includes supervision, oversight, direction, or in any manner assumes charge for the construction services provided to an owner by a general contractor or contractors, shall possess a license in the same classification or in the major classification for the scope of work as provided in this Chapter.

B. An architect or engineer ensuring compliance with the plans and specifications for the construction project on behalf of the owner, or construction manager whose scope of authority and responsibilities do not include any of the tasks provided for in this Section and does not subcontract actual construction work, is not required to obtain a contractor's license.

C. An employee of the owner who ensures compliance with the plans and specifications on behalf of the owner but does not act as a contractor does not have to be licensed.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 233, §11. Amended by Acts 1964, No. 113, §11; Acts 1983, No. 296, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2024, No. 178, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2162

§2162. Joint venture

When two or more persons bid, contract, or perform construction work as a joint venture on any project for which a contractor's license is required, the joint venture is required to be properly licensed by the board at the time of bid, contract, and performance of work in the classification for which the joint venture will perform work. This requirement applies to but is not limited to a corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, general partnership, and any other entity operating as a joint venture on a project for which a contractor's license is required from this board. This licensing requirement is required before persons or contractors are permitted to bid, contract, or perform work on a project for which a license is required regardless of whether they intended to operate as a joint venture.

Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 808, §1; Acts 1997, No. 380, §1; Acts 1997, No. 772, §1; Acts 2001, No. 968, §1; Acts 2007, No. 398, §1; Acts 2009, No. 156, §1; Acts 2019, No. 371, §§1, 2; Acts 2020, No. 102, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2163

§2163. Engaging in business of contracting without authority prohibited; penalty

A.(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage or to continue in this state in the business of contracting, or to act as a contractor as defined in this Chapter, unless he holds an active license as a contractor in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

(2) It shall be unlawful for any contractor, licensed or unlicensed to publish, transmit, distribute, or otherwise publicly circulate a misleading or false claim related to a person's license or classification in any medium, including but not limited to digital platforms.

B. It shall be sufficient for the indictment, affidavit, or complaint to allege that the accused unlawfully engaged in business as a contractor without authority from the board.

C.(1) Anyone found to be in violation of this Section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined a sum not to exceed five hundred dollars per day of violation, or three months in prison, or both.

(2) Notwithstanding any action taken by the board, any person who does not possess a license from the board and violates any of the provisions of this Section, and causes harm or damage to another in excess of three hundred dollars, upon conviction, shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not less than six months nor more than five years, or both.

(3) Any fine assessed and collected in accordance with the provisions of this Section shall be remitted to the contractor's educational trust fund provided for in this Chapter.

D. The district attorney in whose jurisdiction the violation occurs shall have sole authority to prosecute criminal actions pursuant to this Section.

Added by Acts 1956, No. 233 §13. Amended by Acts 1962, No. 184, §1; Acts 1964, No. 113, §13; Acts 1976, No. 377, §1; Acts 1980, No. 606, §1, eff. July 23, 1980; Acts 1981, No. 668, §1; Acts 1988, No. 635, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 1991, No. 865, §1, eff. July 23, 1991; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 478, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1299, §1; Acts 2001, No. 802, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1072, §1; Acts 2017, No. 49, §1; Acts 2019, No. 371, §§1, 2; Acts 2021, No. 48, §1; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2164

§2164. Violations; civil penalty; jurisdiction

A. Any person who violates any provision of this Chapter shall, after notice and a hearing, be liable to the board for a fine of up to ten percent of the total contract or the value of the work bid or being performed for which there is a violation. In addition to the fine, the board may impose administrative costs and attorney fees for each offense. In determining the amount of the administrative penalty, the board or residential subcommittee shall consider the circumstances and seriousness of the violation, cooperation on the part of the contractor, and the history of previous violations.

B. A monetary penalty assessed by the board or the residential subcommittee is payable within ninety days or as provided by law. Failure to pay an outstanding penalty may be cause to deny issuance or renewal of a license or registration and may be subject to collection efforts as provided by law.

C. In addition to or in lieu of the criminal penalties and administrative sanctions provided in this Chapter, the board may issue an order to cease and desist to any person or firm engaged in any activity, conduct, or practice constituting a violation of any provision of this Chapter. The order shall be issued in the name of the state of Louisiana under the official seal of the board.

D. If the person or firm to whom the board directs a cease and desist order does not cease or desist the proscribed activity, conduct, or practice immediately, the board may cause to issue in any court of competent jurisdiction and proper venue a writ of injunction enjoining the person or firm from engaging in any activity, conduct, or practice prohibited by this Chapter.

E. Upon proper showing by the board that a person or firm has engaged or is engaged in any activity, conduct, or practice prohibited by this Chapter, the court shall issue a temporary restraining order restraining the person or firm from engaging in the unlawful activity, conduct, or practice pending the hearing on a preliminary injunction. In due course, a permanent injunction shall be issued after a hearing, commanding the cessation of the unlawful activity, conduct, or practice without the board having to give bond. A temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction issued pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall not be subject to being released upon bond.

F. In the suit for an injunction, the board may demand of the defendant a penalty as provided in Subsection A of this Section. A judgment for penalty, attorney fees, and costs may be rendered in the same judgment in which the injunction is made absolute. If the board brings an action against a person pursuant to the provisions of this Section and fails to prove its case, then it shall be liable to the person for the payment of his attorney fees and costs.

G. The trial of the proceeding by injunction shall be summary and by the judge without a jury.

H. Anyone violating this Chapter who fails to cease work, after proper hearing and notification from the board, shall not be eligible to apply for a contractor's license for a period not to exceed one year from the date of official notification to cease work.

I. All fines or penalties collected by the board pursuant to the provisions of this Section for violations of any provision of this Chapter shall, annually, at each audit of the board, be transferred to a separate contractor's educational trust fund to be used for educational purposes as determined by the trustees of the fund. The Construction Education Trust Fund shall make an audited financial report to the board annually.

J. Upon the expiration of the delays set forth in the Administrative Procedure Act for an aggrieved party to appeal any fine or penalty assessed by the board, if an appeal has not been so filed, the board may initiate civil proceedings against the party seeking to obtain a judgment against that party in an amount equivalent to the amount of the fine assessed, together with legal interest and all reasonable attorney fees incurred by the board in bringing the action. The proceedings shall be conducted on a summary basis, with the defendant being limited to the defense of lack of notice as to the meeting of the board during which the fine was assessed. All proceedings brought pursuant to the provisions of this Subsection shall lie in any court of competent jurisdiction in this state.

K. In addition to all other authority granted to the board by the provisions of this Chapter, the board shall have the authority to cause to be issued to any person who is alleged to have violated any of the provisions of this Chapter a citation setting forth the nature of the alleged violation, which provides to that person the option of either pleading no contest to the charge and paying a fine to the board prescribed by any provision of this Chapter or appearing at an administrative hearing conducted by the board regarding the alleged violation. The citations may be issued by any authorized employee of the board and may be issued either in person, by certified mail with a return receipt, or by email with a read receipt from the noticed person. This Subsection shall not be applicable to any criminal enforcement action brought pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter.

Acts 1989, No. 559, §1; Acts 1992, No. 681, §1, eff. July 6, 1992; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2165

§2165. Bid procedures; penalty

A.(1) It is the intent of this Section that only contractors who hold an appropriate active license be awarded contracts either by bid or through negotiation. All architects, engineers, and awarding authorities shall place in their bid specifications the requirement that a contractor shall certify that he holds an active license in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter by displaying his license number on the bid envelope. In the case of an electronic bid proposal, a contractor may submit an authentic digital signature on the electronic bid proposal accompanied by the contractor's license number in order to meet the requirements of this Paragraph. Except as otherwise provided by this Subsection, if the bid does not display the contractor's license number on the bid envelope, the bid shall be automatically rejected, returned to the bidder marked "Rejected", and not be read aloud.

(2) Any bid that does not require the contractor to hold an active license shall state the exemption on the bid envelope and shall be treated as a lawful bid for the purposes of this Section.

(3) On any project that has been classified by the architect or engineer, prior to the bid, as a plumbing project, bids may be accepted only from those who have as a qualifying party a person who has complied with the provisions of Chapter 16 of this Title, R.S. 37:1361 et seq.

(4) Any contractor who submits a bid for a type of construction for which he does not hold an active license to perform shall be acting in violation of this Section and shall be subject to all provisions for violations and penalties thereof.

(5) Any subcontractor who submits a bid or quotes a price to any unlicensed or inactive prime contractor shall be subject to all provisions for violations and penalties thereof.

(6) Any person required to be licensed by the board that bids a project requiring a bid bond, the posting of a bid bond for the project, or certificates of insurance evidencing mandated coverage and fails to provide such valid bonds or coverage when due shall be subject to all provisions for violations and penalties thereof.

(7) Upon being awarded a bid, the person required to be licensed shall maintain the required insurance coverage or bonding as required in the bid proposal.

(8) Any person who violates the provisions of this Section may be subject to disciplinary action by the board, including suspension or revocation of the contractor's licenses and the imposition of fines and administrative costs.

B. Where bids are to be received or forms furnished by the awarding authority, no proposal forms or specifications shall be issued to anyone except a licensed contractor who holds an active license or his authorized representation. In no event shall proposal forms be issued later than twenty-four hours prior to the hour and date set for receiving proposals.

C. The architect, engineer, or awarding authority shall classify public projects. Once the project is classified, any interested person may object by sending a certified letter to both the board and the architect, engineer, or awarding authority stating with particularity the reasons for the objection. The objection shall be submitted to the board and the architect, engineer, or awarding authority in writing by certified mail or electronic mail at least ten working days prior to the date on which bids are to be opened. Upon receipt of the protest for the project classification, the Licensing Board Enforcement and Administrative staff will review the scope of work and offer a recommendation for the proper classification to the architect, engineer, or awarding authority within five working days after receipt of the objection. Any objection to the classification not made in accordance with this Section shall be considered waived.

D.(1) Any awarding authority or its agent who violates the provisions of this Section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars or more than two hundred dollars or imprisonment in the parish jail for not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days, or both. Any fine and imprisonment are at the discretion of the court.

(2) In addition to the penalties prescribed in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the board may, after notice and a hearing, impose a fine upon any awarding authority or its agent who intentionally violates the provisions of this Section. The board may not impose any fine as authorized by this Paragraph on the state, its agencies, boards, or commissions, or any political subdivision thereof.

Acts 1995, No. 638, §1, eff. Feb. 1, 1996; Acts 1999, No. 1175, §1; Acts 2001, No. 659, §1; Acts 2012, No. 803, §9; Acts 2022, No. 195, §1; Acts 2025, No. 422, §1.

La. R.S. 37:2166

§2166. Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council; transfer of duties

A. The Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council shall be placed within the State Licensing Board for Contractors and shall exercise its duties, functions, and responsibilities under the management of the executive director.

B. The executive director of the board shall serve as executive director of the council and shall not have voting privileges.

C. The executive director shall have the authority to designate the board's staff to the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council as needed.

Acts 2025, No. 120, §1.

La. R.S. 37:693

§693. Requirements for licensure as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor, and for certification as an engineer intern or land surveyor intern

A.(1) The board shall license or certify, as the case may be, each applicant as an engineer intern, a land surveyor intern, a professional engineer, or a professional land surveyor, as specified herein, as requested by the applicant when, in the opinion of the board, the applicant has met the requirements of this Chapter and is proficient and qualified to practice as such.

(2) Professional engineers shall be issued licenses by the board as a professional engineer. The board shall list a professional engineer in one or more of the disciplines of engineering approved by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying to signify the area in which the professional engineer has demonstrated competence pursuant to education, experience, and examination. The professional engineer may use a seal that designates the discipline of engineering in which the board has listed the professional engineer or a seal that identifies the licensee as a professional engineer.

B. The minimum requirements for licensure or certification by the board shall be as follows:

(1) An engineer intern shall be any of the following:

(a) A graduate of an accredited engineering curriculum of four years or more approved by the board as being of satisfactory standing, who is of good character and reputation, who has passed the examinations required by the board, and who has satisfied the requirements of R.S. 37:694.

(b) A graduate of a nonaccredited engineering or related science or technology curriculum of four years or more, approved by the board as being of satisfactory standing, who has obtained a graduate degree from a university having an accredited undergraduate engineering curriculum in the same discipline or sub-discipline, approved by the board as being of satisfactory standing, who is of good character and reputation, who has passed the examinations required by the board, and who has satisfied the requirements of R.S. 37:694.

(c) A graduate of a nonaccredited engineering curriculum of four years or more approved by the board as being of satisfactory standing, who has met the requirements for progressive engineering experience in work acceptable to the board, who is of good character and reputation, who has passed the examinations required by the board, and who has satisfied the requirements of R.S. 37:694.

(2) A professional engineer shall be any of the following:

(a) An engineer intern, or an individual who meets the qualifications to be an engineer intern, who has met the requirements for progressive engineering experience in work acceptable to the board, who is of good character and reputation, who has passed the examinations required by the board, and who has satisfied the requirements of R.S. 37:694.

(b) An individual who holds a valid license to engage in the practice of engineering issued to him by proper authority of a state, territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, based on requirements that do not conflict with the provisions of this Chapter and which were of a standard not lower than that specified in the applicable licensure laws in effect in Louisiana at the time such license was issued, who is of good character and reputation, and who has satisfied the requirements of R.S. 37:694, and if the state, territory, or possession, or the District of Columbia, in which he is licensed will accept the license issued by the board on a reciprocal basis.

(c) A graduate of an accredited engineering curriculum of four years or more approved by the board as being of satisfactory standing, who has twenty years or more of progressive engineering experience in work acceptable to the board, who is of good character and reputation, who has passed the examinations required by the board, and who has satisfied the requirements of R.S. 37:694.

(3) A land surveyor intern shall be either:

(a) A graduate holding a baccalaureate degree from a curriculum of four years or more who has completed at least thirty semester credit hours, or the equivalent approved by the board, in courses involving land surveying, mapping, and real property approved by the board, who is of good character and reputation, who has passed the examinations required by the board, and who has satisfied the requirements of R.S. 37:694.

(b) An individual certified by the board as a land surveyor in training or a land surveyor intern on or before January 1, 1995.

(4) A professional land surveyor shall be either:

(a) A land surveyor intern or an individual who meets the qualifications of a land surveyor intern who has had at least four years or more combined office and field experience in land surveying, including two years or more of progressive experience on land surveying projects under the supervision of a professional land surveyor, who is of good character and reputation, who has passed the oral and written examinations required by the board, and who has satisfied the requirements of R.S. 37:694.

(b) An individual who holds a valid license to engage in the practice of land surveying issued to him by the proper authority of a state, territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, based on requirements that do not conflict with the provisions of this Chapter and which were of a standard not lower than that specified in the applicable licensure laws in effect in Louisiana at the time such license was issued, who has passed an examination on the laws, procedures, and practices pertaining to land surveying in Louisiana, who is of good character and reputation, and who has satisfied the requirements of R.S. 37:694, and if the state, territory, or possession, or the District of Columbia, in which he is licensed will accept the licenses issued by the board on a reciprocal basis.

C. No individual shall be eligible for renewal of licensure as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor, nor renewal of certification as an engineer intern or land surveyor intern who is not, in the opinion of the board, of good character and reputation.

D. The execution, as a contractor, of work designed by a professional engineer or the supervision of the construction of such work as a foreman or superintendent shall not be deemed to be a violation of R.S. 37:698 or R.S. 37:700. However, such work may be considered toward qualification required for licensure as a professional engineer under this Chapter.

E. Any individual having the necessary qualifications prescribed in this Chapter entitling him to licensure or certification shall be eligible for such licensure or certification although he may not be practicing his profession at the time of making his application.

Acts 1980, No. 568, §1; Acts 1987, No. 385, §1; Acts 1993, No. 53, §1; Acts 1997, No. 361, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1096, §1; Acts 1999, No. 329, §1; Acts 1999, No. 396, §1; Acts 1999, No. 397, §1; Acts 2001, No. 495, §1; Acts 2003, No. 279, §5; Acts 2006, No. 473, §1; Acts 2010, No. 252, §1; Acts 2012, No. 31, §1, eff. May 4, 2012; Acts 2020, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 2, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2021.

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)