Welcome Home Act

The Welcome Home Act is designed to make it easier for skilled professionals relocating to Louisiana to continue their careers without unnecessary delays. If you are a licensed plumber or gas fitter moving to Louisiana from another state, this law streamlines the licensure process, recognizing your existing credentials and reducing barriers to entry into the workforce.

In the 2024 Louisiana Regular Session, Act 253 and Act 568 both address the "Welcome Home Act," which facilitates universal occupational license recognition. Act 253, originating as Senate Bill No. 60, and Act 568, originating as House Bill No. 716, both enact Chapter 1-E of Title 37 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, comprising R.S. 37:51 through 59. Both acts aim to streamline the process for professionals licensed in other states to obtain licensure in Louisiana, provided they meet specific criteria such as holding a valid license in another state with a similar scope of practice for at least one year, being in good standing, and establishing residency in Louisiana. Additionally, both acts require certain boards, like the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, to issue conditional licenses pending normal licensure, and allow the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry to require applicants to pass a clinical licensure examination that includes a hand skills assessment. Given the substantial similarities between the two acts, it appears that Act 568 may serve to reinforce or clarify the provisions established in Act 253.

To apply for plumbing or natural gas licensure under the Welcome Home Act, you must submit an application to the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA), providing proof of your current out-of-state license, work experience, and proof of residency in Louisiana. The Board will review your qualifications to determine eligibility for reciprocal licensing. For detailed information on application requirements, processing timelines, and necessary forms, contact our office directly.

By taking advantage of the Welcome Home Act, experienced plumbers and gas fitters can transition smoothly into Louisiana’s workforce, ensuring high industry standards while addressing the state’s growing demand for skilled tradespeople. The full ACT can be found at https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=24RS&b=ACT253&sbi=y