This bill restricts the sale of Heating & Air equipment only to those folks licensed to install. I proposed an amendment to exempt homeowners from this legislation in committee, yet failed. My only resolve is to formally object to this bill, thus holding it up indefinitely. Proponents of the bill might argue that it’s a consumer protection bill designed to promote safe and effective installation of equipment. That’s certainly understandable for those in the business working on other consumers’ homes, but we have no business telling a homeowner he can’t build his or her own house from the ground up. I believe that individuals can take care of themselves and if they need help, they’ll seek it out. I will not vote to protect the individual from himself for two reasons. First, that’s not the role of government. Second, grown adults don’t need me to protect them–they’re more than capable of doing that on their own.

What’s next for the safety squad? Will nanny government try to prevent home owners from buying duct tape to keep them from repairing their duct work? What about the other 999 uses for duct tape? I’d love to hear from you on this one.