SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2546
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection, February 25, 2010
Title: An act relating to classroom training for electrical trainees.
Brief Description: Concerning classroom training for electrical trainees.
Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Van De Wege, Conway, Morrell, Angel, Dunshee and Santos).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/10, 58-37.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 2/23/10, 2/25/10 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Franklin, King and Kline.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senator Honeyford.
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: Individuals seeking to engage in the electrical construction trade must have a valid journeyman electrician certificate or specialty certificate issued by the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Apprentices and electrical trainees may work in the electrical construction trade under a valid electrical training certificate if supervised by a licensed electrician. A training certificate is valid for two years, and an individual seeking to renew his or her certificate must complete 16 hours of approved classroom electrical continuing education courses or the equivalent electrical training courses taken as part of an approved apprenticeship or training program.
Summary of Bill: Starting July 1, 2011, the number of classroom hours of instruction necessary to renew a training certificate is increased from 16 to 32. Starting July 1, 2013, the number of hours necessary is increased from 32 to 48.
The requirement for approved classroom electrical continuing education courses is replaced with a requirement for approved classroom training.
Upon request, L&I must provide the appropriate legislative committees with information on the implementation of the new classroom training requirements by December 1, 2012.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2011.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Additional training will improve the knowledge and safety of electrical trainees. When the 16-hour training requirement was first implemented, accessibility was a concern. Many groups now offer training classes throughout the state at reasonable rates.
CON: Thousands of trainees that would be affected by the bill where their electrical work is minimal or incidental to the work they do. These trainees should be treated differently. There is no assurance the programs needed under the bill will be available in a reasonable distance for trainees throughout the state.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Dave Perrin, CITC of Washington; Tracy Prezeau, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Ebby Ghojie, Greater Puget Sound Electrical Apprenticeship.
CON: Tena Risley, Northwest HVAC/R Association and Training; Gary Smith, Independent Business Association.