Heating, cooling, and refrigeration subcontractors would need separate licenses

Anyone hiring heating, cooling, or refrigeration subcontractors would have to choose independently licensed firms. The requirement would cover contractors, property owners, developers, and others who arrange this work in New Jersey. This requirement would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Violators would face fines and possible license suspension or loss. Master contractors could be held fully responsible for subcontractors’ violations if they knew or reasonably should have known those subcontractors lacked required licensing and registration. Fines would rise with repeat offenses, reaching up to $50,000. Knowing violations would be crimes with penalties up to $75,000. Violations would count separately for each day and each continuing project. These provisions would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Lead contractors would have to document each worker’s apprenticeship status. This would cover craft workers doing heating, cooling, and refrigeration work. Programs would need federal or federally recognized state approval, required records, and compliance with apprenticeship standards. At least 85% of apprentices eligible to finish would have to graduate. Workers would have to complete or remain enrolled in training for their trade. These requirements would take effect 90 days after enactment.

Covered manufacturers would need a master heating, cooling, and refrigeration contractor license. This would cover parts made in New Jersey for installation in New Jersey, including makers that do no on-site installation. Their products would have to meet applicable technical standards. This licensing rule would start on the first day of the seventh month after the act takes effect, which would be 90 days after enactment.