SENATE BILL REPORT

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Commerce & Labor, March 25, 2015

Title: An act relating to 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.

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 History: Passed House: 3/10/15, 63-35.

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 3/25/15 [DP-WM].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Keiser, King and Warnick.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) regulates elevators, factory-assembled structures, and construction contractors. Inspection, permit, and registration fees are collected through all three programs, and L&I can impose penalties on individuals for violations of program rules and regulations. Fees and penalties from the programs are deposited into the state general fund, and L&I gets a general fund appropriation each biennium to cover the enforcement and administrative costs of the programs.

Summary of Bill: The Construction Registration Account (Account) is created in the state treasury. All revenues generated from elevator, factory-assembled structures, and contractor registration programs, except fines and penalties, are deposited in the Account. Fines and penalties are deposited in the state general fund. Fees deposited into the Account must be set at a level as near as practicable to support the operations of the three programs. Additionally, 7 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.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a companion bill to one that was moved out of committee earlier. The bill is designed so the state general fund would not be impacted. The bill creates a dedicated account for three fee-supported programs.

OTHER: There are fiscal concerns which will be brought up in the fiscal committee.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Tammy Fellin, L&I.

OTHER: Jim King, WA State HVACR Assn.

Persons Signed in to Testify But Not Testifying: No one.