Professions and Occupations - As introduced, enacts the "Responsible Welding for Tennessean’s Safety Act," which requires general contractors, project managers, and subcontractors to ensure that welders performing structural steel welding are tested and certified by an accredited facility or individual and that the work meets applicable standards whenever a design professional includes D1.1 or D1.5 codes in the job specifications, subject to an exemption for work performed on the premises of a homeowner or farmer. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 15; Title 56; Title 62; Title 64 and Title 68.

SB 2148, the "Responsible Welding for Tennesseans' Safety Act," requires general contractors, project managers, and subcontractors to ensure welders performing structural steel welding are certified by an accredited facility or individual when a design professional specifies D1.1 or D1.5 welding standards in project plans. This applies to most construction projects involving structural steel but excludes work done on a homeowner's or farmer's property. The law mandates that welding must meet safety standards defined by the American Welding Society (AWS) as outlined in the D1.1 (structural steel) and D1.5 (bridge) codes. The requirement takes effect January 1, 2027.