U.P.lawmakesrs look to ease boiler inspection licensing requirements, end burdensome regulations

LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – State Rep. Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River) is sponsoring legislation that would loosen licensing requirements for boiler maintenance and safety testing in Michigan.

House Bill 4907 would amend the Skilled Trades Regulation Act to allow individuals with a class 5B boiler installer license or a class IV boiler repairer license to conduct periodic maintenance and testing of boiler safety controls. Current administrative rules require those inspections to be completed by a separately licensed mechanical contractor.

The legislation would also eliminate an existing administrative rule requiring that safety testing be performed by mechanical contractors with specific classifications under the act. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, or LARA, oversees boiler regulations and enforcement.

According to the House Fiscal Agency, the proposal would have minimal to no fiscal impact on LARA. Any costs associated with rescinding the rule would likely be absorbed within the department’s existing budget.

Prestin said the bill is part of a broader Republican effort to reduce regulations they consider outdated or unnecessary.

He said Michigan previously required multiple licenses and technicians to inspect and maintain different types of boilers, ranging from residential systems to large commercial units. Prestin said recent changes have already reduced the number of licensing categories, and the bill would further streamline the process by allowing installers to conduct safety checks on the systems they install.

“This is just it. We continue to reach out and search for, you know, for things that just don’t make sense, for things that get in the way, for things that slow people down.” Prestin said. “I encourage everyone out there to reach out to your rep. reach out to our offices. and let us know about the things that are holding you up.”

Prestin argued the change would eliminate duplicative requirements and improve efficiency for skilled trades workers.

The bill is waiting on a vote in the House of Representatives.