Part 4/11:
Proponents of the bill emphasize safety. They argue that illegal or unlicensed work has led to disastrous incidents—fires, explosions, and tragedies—that could have been prevented with stringent licensing standards. However, opponents suggest that this regulation is more about creating a monopoly for plumbing companies than actual safety improvements.
"This feels like a shakedown," one critic remarked. The limited license pool and the high costs associated with obtaining and employing master plumbers could be exploited by unions and service providers seeking to maximize profits, at the expense of everyday consumers.