§ 9A-309. Term and renewal of license; inactive status; transferability; death of licensee

   (a) Term of license. -- Unless the license is renewed for a 2-year term as provided in this section, a license expires on the first October 1 that comes:

   (1) after the effective date of the license; and

   (2) in an odd-numbered year.

(b) Application for renewal. -- Before the license expires, the licensee may renew it for an additional 2-year term, if the licensee:

   (1) otherwise is entitled to be granted a license;

   (2) pays to the Board a renewal fee established by the Board; and

   (3) submits:

      (i) proof of insurance as provided by § 9A-402 of this title; and

      (ii) a renewal application in the form that the Board provides.

(c) Issuance of renewal. -- The Board shall renew the license of and issue a renewal certificate to each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.

(d) Inactive status. --

   (1) At the time of renewal, a licensee who holds a valid heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor license may apply to the Board for inactive status, during which time the licensee may not provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or refrigeration services in the State.

   (2) If an individual wishes to renew a license on inactive status, the individual shall meet the requirements of subsection (b)(1), (2), and (3)(ii) of this section.

   (3) To return to active status the licensee must meet the renewal requirements of subsection (b) of this section.

   (4) Unless a licensee on inactive status renews the license as provided in this section, or reactivates the license as provided in this section, the license expires on the first October 1 that comes:

      (i) after the inactive status certificate has been issued to the licensee; and

      (ii) in an odd-numbered year.

(e) Application for restoration. --

   (1) If application for restoration is made within 90 days of expiration of a license, the license may be restored only on payment of a renewal fee.

   (2) If application for restoration is not made within the 90-day period, the Board may require compliance with the process for initial applications as if the applicant had never been licensed.

(f) Transferability. -- Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, a license issued under this title is not transferable.

(g) Death of licensee. --

   (1) On the death of a licensed heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration contractor, the personal representative of the deceased licensee may retain the license for up to 6 months for the purpose of winding up the business.

   (2) In cases of extreme hardship, the Board may allow the personal representative to retain the license for an additional period not to exceed 24 months upon a good faith showing that the personal representative has:

      (i) acted diligently to conclude the business of the deceased licensee; and

      (ii) complied with the provisions of this title.

(h) Staggered basis of expiration. -- The Secretary may determine that licenses issued under this subtitle shall expire on a staggered basis.

HISTORY: 1992, ch. 649; 1994, ch. 436; 1997, ch. 59; 2004, ch. 25.