ATTN: CEDIA Members in the state of Connecticut

Beginning October 1 - it will be a criminal offense for occupational and tradespersons to perform work without an active license.

For licensing information for all types of contractor licenses, please contact:

Department of Consumer Protection Occupational and Professional Licensing
165 Capital Avenue, Room 110
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 713-6300
Fax: (860) 713-7239
www.ct.gov/dcp/site/default.asp

This is a reminder to CEDIA Members to ensure you are carrying the proper licenses to do low-voltage work in the state of Connecticut. Since 2003, the state of Connecticut has required a license for low-voltage work.

In July, Connecticut Senate Bill 1043/House Bill 6983 was signed by Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell and is Public Act
No. 07-188. Connecticut Public Act No. 07-188 is an Act concerning the enforcement of certain professional and occupational licensing, certification and registration laws. Connecticut Public Act No. 07-188 is effective October 1, 2007.

Under Connecticut Public Act 07-188, effective October 1, 2007, it will be a Class B misdemeanor to willfully perform work without the appropriate trade or professional license issued by the Department of Consumer Protection, punishable by a term of imprisonment up to six months and/or a fine of $1,000 per instance. This would be over and above the administrative penalties that could be levied by the Department or the appropriate governing board.

According to the Department of Consumer Protection, this proposal helps to protect consumers from substandard and unscrupulous contractors by instituting a criminal penalty for those working without a proper occupational license. Occupational licenses, including the plumbing, electrical, and heating trades, are administered by the Department, and are coordinated by the Occupational and Professional Licensing Division. Licensing laws protect the public by requiring specific educational training, a period of supervised work experience, and comprehensive examination prior to obtaining a trade license.

In a press release from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Jerry Farrell, Jr., Commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection stated, “The message, I hope, is clear – performing professional work in or on a person’s home is an endeavor that deserves the appropriate education, training, and observation of professional principles, standards, and laws,” Farrell said. “We intend to uphold these standards, for the good of the profession as well as for the safety and welfare of our citizens.”

Questions? Contact Darren Reaman at (800) 669-5329 or dreaman@cedia.org.