FEDERAL ACTIVITY
Federal Government in Deadlock as Various COVID-19 Relief Packages Stall
With Election Day around the corner, Congress and the White House remain at an impasse over further COVID-19 relief for businesses and individuals. The House, Senate, and White House all have different packages of relief ranging from $500 billion to $2.4 trillion, but a compromise has still not been reached. Speaker Pelosi and Treasury Secretary have been holding negotiations, but the most recent $1.8 trillion offer from the White House was rejected by Speaker Pelosi who argued it does not go far enough. Meanwhile, the Senate failed to pass a smaller package of relief earlier this month as a larger bipartisan deal remains elusive. NKBA will continue to track COVID-19 relief on behalf of our members.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Easing Forgiveness Of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans Of $50,000 or Less
On October 8, the SBA issued new guidance allowing borrowers with PPP loans of $50,000 or less to receive complete forgiveness by self-certifying that they used the money appropriately. This latest Interim Final Rule will still require borrowers to provide documentation, such as a payroll provider report, but offers a simplified form and process for forgiveness. Borrowers can use SBA Form 3508S for their application or wait for their lender to update their online application portals. For questions on the PPP and the forgiveness process please contact the SBA here. For NKBA’s Canadian members, the Canadian government is investing $12 million in the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund. Please review these program guidelines to see if you are eligible for grants up to $5,000.
Plumbing Endpoint Devices and Other Components Face New Lead and Drinking Water Requirements
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF International) has announced new changes to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects that further restrict the amount of lead that can leach from plumbing products. After nearly three years of testing methods to reduce lead leaching from endpoint devices, the new rigorous standards will require the maximum amount of lead leaching to be reduced from 5 micrograms (µg) to 1 µg for plumbing endpoint devices that dispense drinking water such as faucets, and from 3 µg to 0.5 µg for other plumbing components such as connector hoses and small shut-off valves. To see if your state requires compliance with NSF/ANSI/CAN 6, please review this helpful map.
STATE ACTIVITY
California Governor Signs Bill into Law Creating a New Classification of “Residential Remodeling Contracting”
On September 30, Governor Newson took action on a number of legislative items, bringing the 2019-2020 legislative session to a close in California. Included in his long list of bills signed into law was California Senate Bill 1189. NKBA has been reporting on this legislation over the last several months. It seeks to eliminate the one-size-fits-all contracting license and create a more transparent process for consumers to ensure their contractor is properly trained. It also creates a new classification of contracting known as “residential remodeling contracting.” Under the new law, residential remodeling contractors are prohibited from performing certain trades, jobs or skills, such as installing fire-prevention materials or structures, unless they are properly licensed. Additionally, and of potential interest to NKBA members, residential remodeling contractors are also prohibited from changing or working on load-bearing portions, electrical systems and plumbing systems. For questions regarding this newly implemented law, please contact the bill’s sponsor, State Senator Mike McGuire.
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®) Seeks to Create Standard for Compliance with California Prop 65
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®) has concluded its search for volunteers to participate on the technical committee for the development of an ANSI/IAPMO standard that deals with California Prop 65 compliance. Known as ANSI/IAPMO Z1123, the scope of this committee will focus on providing requirements that clarify testing procedures for determining potential product risks as well as labeling guidance to ensure products are consistent with the intent of Proposition 65. This standard applies to plumbing products, water treatment products and building materials, and is intended to cover chemicals under the Proposition 65 list. For more information, please contact Kyle Thompson at IAPMO by phone (909) 230-5534 or by email kyle.thompson@iapmo.org.
New Jersey Bill Seeks to Regulate the General Contracting Profession
Introduced over the summer, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also known as New Jersey Assembly Bill 4507, seeks to regulate the general contracting profession through requiring licensure by a newly created board – the New Jersey State Board of General Contractors. The board would establish the standards required for licensure; review the qualifications of individuals who apply for licensure; ensure the proper conduct and standards of examination; renew, suspend or revoke licenses; prescribe or change fees for examination or licensure; and maintain a record of all licensed general contractors. Under the bill, to be eligible as a general contractor in New Jersey, one must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be of good moral character
- Have a bachelor’s degree in project management, with at least 60 credits earned from courses in construction; and
- Have successfully passed an examination in general contracting prepared by or approved by the board
Individuals who have at least 10 years of experience performing general contracting services prior to the effective date of this act and who have not declared bankruptcy or changed the name of a company during that time are exempt from these education and examination requirements. NKBA will continue to monitor this bill throughout the remainder of the New Jersey legislative session.
COVID-19 State Updates and Available Resources
To keep current on what individual states are doing to combat COVID-19, this interactive map, online platform and resource center might be of interest. The interactive map shows all COVID-19-related legislative activity that each state has enacted, while the online platform and resource center provide important information related to COVID-19.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Federal and State Legislative Contacts
Don’t forget to contact your Federal and State Legislators for government information and resources. Legislative staff are available to answer any questions on legislation, or walk you through governmental processes.
NKBA Legislative Contact
NKBA will monitor relevant legislative developments at the state and federal levels, and, where appropriate, provide information to members concerning material issues and developments — including laws and regulations that might impact the kitchen and bath industry. If you have any questions or comments on legislation, please reach out directly to Steven Campeau, NKBA’s Government Relations Specialist, at scampeau@nkba.org.
NOTE: NKBA is providing this material for general information only. This information does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax/investment advice, accounting services or professional consulting of any kind, nor should it be construed as such. NKBA is not a lobbying organization and does not have a Political Action Committee (PAC). Resources such as this are meant solely for informational purposes.
