MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Conservation and Water Resources

By: Representative Faulkner

House Bill 117

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 51-5-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT THAT AN APPLICANT MUST PRESENT THREE NOTARIZED AFFIDAVITS TO THE EXAMINING COMMITTEE OF THE COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TO OBTAIN A WATER WELL CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  Section 51-5-3, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     51-5-3.  * * * (1)  In order to be licensed as a water well contractor in the State of Mississippi, the applicant must be qualified as set out below:

          (a)  Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age;

          (b)  Be of good moral character;

          (c)  Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission a reasonable knowledge of this chapter and the rules and regulations adopted by the commission under the provisions of this chapter;

          (d)  Possess the necessary drilling equipment, or present to the commission sufficient evidence to show that he has access to the use of such equipment at any time he needs it; and

          (e)  Have not less than three (3) years' experience in the work for which he is applying for a license.

 * * *(2)  Each applicant shall be required to present to the examining committee three (3) notarized affidavits from licensed water well contractors showing that such applicant has the necessary qualifications and experience to meet the above‑stated standards.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.

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