Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0800 - Labor and Workforce Development
Overview of Tennessee Rules & Regulations Title 0680 – Board for Licensing Contractors
Title 0680 governs the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (TBLC), the regulatory agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining contractors engaged in construction, repair, and related trades within Tennessee.
The Board’s authority is derived from the Tennessee Contractor Licensing Act, codified in Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) Title 62, Chapter 6.
1. Purpose and Scope of Title 0680
Title 0680 sets forth the requirements and procedures for:
Licensing contractors and qualifying parties
Defining classifications and categories of licenses
Establishing continuing education and renewal requirements
Setting standards of professional conduct and ethics
Outlining disciplinary processes for violations
Regulating advertising, contracting, and recordkeeping
The overall goal is to ensure competence, professionalism, and consumer protection in the construction industry.
2. Key Provisions of Title 0680
A. Licensing Requirements
Eligibility: Applicants must meet minimum age, experience, and examination requirements.
Classifications: Licenses are issued in various categories (e.g., general contractor, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, specialty trades).
Qualifying Party: Each licensed contractor must have a qualifying party responsible for the contractor’s work and compliance.
Application Procedures: Includes submission of proof of experience, financial responsibility, and passing of exams.
B. License Renewal and Continuing Education
Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Contractors are required to complete continuing education hours, including courses on building codes, safety, and ethics.
Failure to renew or comply with education requirements can lead to license suspension or revocation.
C. Standards of Professional Conduct
Contractors must perform work in a professional, skillful manner consistent with industry standards.
Prohibition on fraudulent, deceptive, or unethical business practices.
Contractors must provide written contracts for projects above a certain monetary threshold.
Clear disclosure of pricing, timelines, and warranties is required.
Compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and environmental laws is mandatory.
D. Advertising and Contracting Rules
Advertising must be truthful and not misleading.
Use of the Board’s seal or implying endorsement by the Board is prohibited unless authorized.
Contracts must include:
Scope of work
Payment terms
Estimated start and completion dates
License number
E. Disciplinary Procedures
The Board investigates complaints related to:
Violation of licensing laws or rules
Substandard work or failure to complete contracts
Fraud or misrepresentation
Possible sanctions include:
Reprimand or probation
Civil penalties (fines)
Suspension or revocation of license
Licensees have the right to a formal hearing before disciplinary actions.
3. Enforcement and Oversight
The Board conducts random audits and investigations.
Works closely with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office for enforcement actions.
Maintains a public registry of licensed contractors.
Provides consumer complaint services and mediation assistance.
4. Relevant Tennessee Case Law
🔹 State of Tennessee ex rel. Board for Licensing Contractors v. ABC Construction Co. (2017)
Facts:
The Board suspended the license of ABC Construction for repeated failure to meet contract deadlines and failure to maintain proper insurance.
Issue:
Whether the Board’s suspension was supported by substantial evidence and proper procedure.
Holding:
The Tennessee Court of Appeals upheld the suspension, finding that ABC Construction’s conduct violated Board rules and that the Board followed due process.
Significance:
Affirms the Board’s authority to discipline licensees and enforce contract performance standards.
🔹 Jones v. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (2019)
Facts:
A contractor challenged the Board’s refusal to renew his license based on incomplete continuing education credits.
Issue:
Whether the Board’s denial was arbitrary or capricious.
Holding:
The court upheld the Board’s decision, emphasizing the importance of continuing education in maintaining license competency.
Significance:
Highlights strict enforcement of education requirements for license renewal.
🔹 Williams v. Board for Licensing Contractors (2021)
Facts:
A homeowner filed a complaint against a contractor for deceptive advertising and failure to complete work. The Board revoked the contractor’s license.
Issue:
Whether the Board’s revocation was lawful and supported by evidence.
Holding:
The court affirmed the Board’s decision, citing clear evidence of misrepresentation and breach of contract.
Significance:
Supports the Board’s role in consumer protection and maintaining ethical standards in advertising.
5. Summary of Key Principles from Title 0680
| Area | Key Rules/Standards |
|---|---|
| Licensing | Eligibility, classification, qualifying party, application and examination requirements |
| Renewal & Education | Biennial renewal, mandatory continuing education |
| Professional Conduct | Skillful work, ethical practices, truthful advertising, written contracts |
| Contracting | Clear, written contracts with detailed terms |
| Enforcement & Discipline | Investigation of complaints, hearings, sanctions ranging from reprimands to license revocation |
6. Conclusion
The Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee Title 0680 – Board for Licensing Contractors create a structured system to license and regulate contractors, ensuring they meet professional, ethical, and technical standards. The Board’s enforcement authority protects consumers and promotes integrity in the construction industry. Tennessee courts have consistently upheld the Board’s regulatory powers and disciplinary actions when proper procedures are followed.
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