Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workplace Standards Committee |
HB 1952
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: Concerning enforcement of the electrical laws.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, J. Walsh, Pellicciotti, Chapman, Stambaugh and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/13/17
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
Persons who engage in the electrical business must obtain a license as an electrical contractor, and electricians must qualify for and be issued a certificate of competency. Persons engaged in the telecommunications business must be licensed as telecommunications contractors. Apprentices and other persons learning the electrical trade obtain a training certificate, and must work under supervision of a certified electrician and under a specified ratio of trainees to certified electricians. The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) administers and enforces the licensing and certification requirements. A person who engages in the electrical business without being licensed is subject to a $50 to $10,000 civil penalty. A person who employs a person without a certificate to perform electrical work or who performs electrical work without a certificate is subject to a $50 to $500 civil penalty. The Department may issue a penalty of $100 to $10,000 to a person who engages in the telecommunications business without a license.
Electrical installations must comply with the national electrical code, and a permit and inspection is generally required for electrical work. Cities may adopt ordinances with an equal or higher standard than required by the state for electrical work. If a city adopts such an ordinance and enforces a standard, inspections are performed by the city rather than the Department. About 25 cities have electrical ordinances and perform inspections.
Summary of Bill:
Cities that conduct electrical inspections must enforce the electrical laws related to electrical contractor licensing, and electrician certification and trainees. The penalties are generally the same as penalties the state imposes. The authority of the Department to enforce these laws is retained.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.