ARLINGTON, Va. - New Hampshire approved licensing for its more than 5,000 gas fitters by passing Amilia's Law (HB 1711), which will be in effect as of Jan. 1, 2007. New Hampshire's executive and administration departments unanimously supported the legislation, chaired by Sen. Joseph D. Kenney, stating that in New Hampshire contractors must use technicians who "have had mandatory training and are licensed to ensure proper installation and repairs of gas systems."
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) technician certification is a component of this licensure requirement. Amilia's Law makes New Hampshire the first state to include NATE certification as a component of a state's licensing law. In 2005, the city of Terre Haute, Ind., became the first U.S. city to require NATE certification of technicians as a component of contractor licensing.