HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1756

             As Reported By House Committee On:

                      Commerce & Labor

Title:  An act relating to exemptions from RCW 19.28.510 through 19.28.620.

Brief Description:  Requiring the use of licensed or certified electricians for certain purposes.

Sponsors:  Representatives Veloria, Brumsickle and Casada.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Commerce & Labor, March 3, 1993, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 8 members:  Representatives Heavey, Chair; G. Cole, Vice Chair; Lisk, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Conway; King; Springer; and Veloria.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Horn.

Staff:  Chris Cordes (786-7117).

Background:  Under Washington law, electrical work must be performed by electricians who have a certificate of competency from the Department of Labor and Industries unless an exemption applies to the work.  The exemptions include work (1) being done on a person's own residence, farm, place of business, or other property owned by the person, or (2) being performed by employees on the premises of their employer.

Summary of Bill:  The exemptions from the requirements for obtaining a license and for using certified electricians are changed.  The exemption for electrical work being done on a person's own residence, farm, place of business, or other property owned by the person is authorized only if the building under construction is not intended for rent, sale, or lease.  The exemption for work being performed by the property owner or by employees on the premises of their employer is authorized only if the building under construction is not intended for rent, sale, or lease.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  The electrical licensing law has a loophole that allows builders to circumvent the licensing requirements.  The Department of Labor and Industries should be able to require the same electrical standards for all buildings offered for sale.  If the builder intends to sell the project, then consumer safety is a priority issue.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Larry Stevens, National Electrical Contractors; Joe Brewer, Department of Labor and Industries; and Jordy Andrews, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.