Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

General Government & Information Technology Committee

HB 1465

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.

Brief Description: Creating a dedicated account for elevators, lifting devices, moving walks, manufactured and mobile homes, recreational and commercial vehicles, factory built housing and commercial structures, and contractor registration and compliance activities.

Sponsors: Representatives MacEwen, Hudgins and Ormsby; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates a dedicated account for operating the Department of Labor and Industries' elevator, factory assembled structures, and contractor registration programs.

  • Specifies that fines and penalties must be deposited in the State General Fund.

  • Requires that seven percent of revenues received into the new account must be transferred to the State General Fund each quarter.

Hearing Date: 2/3/15

Staff: Derek Rutter (786-7157).

Background:

The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) regulates many different trades and industries. Three of these are elevator systems, factory assembled structures, and construction contractors. In these industries, the Department inspects elevators, regulates certain aspects of the manufacture of factory assembled structures, such as manufactured homes, commercial coaches, recreational vehicles and factory assembled housing, and registers contractors.

Inspection, permit, or registration fees are collected from all three trades. In addition, the Department can impose penalties on individuals that violate the Department's rules for each industry. These fees and penalties are paid into the State General Fund. From the General Fund, the Legislature appropriates funds each biennium to cover the enforcement and administration costs of these programs.

Summary of Bill:

The Construction Registration Account (Account) is created. All revenues generated from elevator, factory assembled structures, and contractor registration programs, except fines and penalties, are deposited in the Account. Fees deposited into the Account must be set at a level as near as practicable to support the operations of the three programs, and monies in the Account may only be spent for program activities after appropriation. Fines and penalties from the three programs are deposited in the State General Fund. Additionally, seven percent of revenues received into the Account, net of refunds paid to customers, must be transferred into the State General Fund quarterly.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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