While Missouri currently has a contractor-based licensing system, this bill imposes burdensome individual licensing requirements on mechanical workers, severely restricting workforce growth at a time when Missouri already faces a shortage of over 120,000 construction workers. If passed, SB 31 would force mechanical contractors statewide to adopt the costly and unnecessary licensing model currently used in St. Louis—making it harder to hire, train, and retain skilled workers in the trades.

The legislation creates unnecessary licensing barriers that will make it harder for new workers to enter the trades. By requiring state-issued licenses for individual workers, it will add costs and red tape that will shrink the workforce and limit opportunities for businesses to train employees. While this bill doesn't directly mandate local governments to adopt this system, many will default to it, spreading overregulation statewide.

In addition, SB 31 will also hamper apprenticeship programs by requiring a one-to-one journeyman-to-apprentice ratio, severely limiting how many new workers can be trained. With fewer skilled workers available, construction costs will rise, project delays will increase, and businesses will struggle to find qualified employees. This bill is bad for Missouri’s workforce and economy.

Missouri’s current approach with a contractor-based statewide licensing model is a practical solution. Instead, lawmakers want to impose unnecessary individual licensing mandates that limit workforce entry and further spread government overregulation statewide.

Contact your legislators today and tell them to vote NO on SB 31 to protect mechanical contractors and Missouri taxpayers.