The Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board has announced that as of January 1, 2020, it will begin issuing several new professional licenses mandated by the General Assembly years ago, for the building and construction industries. These licenses, which follow a complete updating of the Board’s promulgated rules and regulations, will promote public safety, health and welfare by providing a mechanism to ensure that all persons conducting business in the regulated disciplines within the State of Rhode Island have the requisite skills, training and experience necessary to safely and adequately conduct those activities within the state. The new disciplines which must become licensed include: commercial roofing contractors, home inspectors and associate home inspectors, well-drilling contractors, pump installers, water filtration/treatment-system contractors and water filtration/treatment installers. Those affected will have until April 1, 2020 to become licensed. Contractors who are already required to be registered will still be required to be registered. For more information please see the Board’s website at www.crb.ri.gov, which will be updated with information regarding the new licensing requirements, costs, and all relevant applications, on Jan. 1st, or contact them by phone at 401-921-1590.