Brief Description: Concerning electrical work that requires minimal electrical circuit modifications and has limited exposure hazards.

Sponsors: Representative Conway.

Hearing Date: 3/5/03

Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).

Background:

State law requires property owners and electrical contractors to purchase electrical work permits for all electrical installations or alterations, including remodeling and maintenance work. By rule the following electrical work is exempt from permitting and inspection requirements:

•    Like-in-kind replacements of circuit breakers or fuses, lamps, snap switches, receptacle outlets or heating elements, lighting fixture ballasts, contactors, relays, timers, motor starters, and small motors; and

•    Travel trailers.

The Department of Labor and Industries, or the applicable city or town, must inspect such installations.

State law also requires persons who engage in the business of installing or maintaining certain wires or equipment to have either a general electrical contractor license or an appropriate specialty electrical contractor license. Similarly, persons who perform such work must be certified as journey level electricians or appropriate specialty electricians.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature finds that some electrical work requires minimal electrical circuit modifications and has limited exposure hazards. Random inspections or exemptions from such requirements may be appropriate for such work. Changes to current law should further the state's compelling public interest in protecting public safety.

Rules Authority: The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.