Senate passes Bullard bill to bolster Oklahoma’s plumbing workforce

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, on Monday passed legislation to make it easier for Oklahomans to become plumbers, growing the number of workers in this critical trade. 

The full Senate approved Senate Bill 112, which makes it easier for qualified and dedicated plumbers to get licensed. Bullard’s bill creates a pathway for plumbers to get a “residential journeyman plumber” license after two years of experience as a plumber so long as they meet other requirements, which includes completing continuing education hours. This new license would be in addition to the traditional, “unlimited journeyman plumber” license, which is only for plumbers who have three years of experience in their trade. Unlimited journeymen are eligible to do both residential and commercial work.

SB 112 also aligns Oklahoma's licensing requirements with those of other states and expands local reciprocity, ensuring that plumbers licensed in other states can have their credentials recognized and honored in Oklahoma.

Bullard said Oklahoma is facing a significant shortage of plumbers, and similar reforms have proven effective in increasing the number of licensed professionals in other skilled trades.

“I am proud to work alongside Oklahoma plumbers to help them recruit more people into this important trade,” Bullard said. “Senate Bill 112 creates a streamlined path for contractors with journeyman plumbers who are ready to take their licensure test after just two years, allowing them to work in residential settings sooner. If they’re not quite ready, they’ll follow the typical, three-year process to sit for the test. Either way, if they pass, they’re licensed and ready to contribute to the workforce.

“My bill also expands reciprocity for those who gained valuable plumbing experience as part of the armed forces or honed their craft in another state. These proven strategies have already worked to get more electricians into the field. I look forward to continuing to work on innovative solutions to meet our state’s growing workforce needs.”

SB 112 is now eligible to be heard in the House. Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, is the principal House author.

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For more information, contact: Sen. David Bullard at (405) 521-5586 or David.Bullard@oksenate.gov