FINAL BILL REPORT

                           ESB 5280

                          C 346 L 93

                      SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Creating a certification program for contractors.

SPONSORS: Senators Hargrove, Erwin, Owen, Sutherland and Jesernig

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

BACKGROUND:

The state does not require any evidence of competency, experience, or training in order to become a registered contractor.  In hiring a registered contractor, a customer is assured only that a general contractor has posted a statutory bond of $6,000, or $4,000 if a specialty contractor, and that the contractor has met certain other tax and business legal requirements.

Some states issue licenses to contractors based on a certain showing of competency or minimum training requirement.

SUMMARY:

The Director of the Department of Labor and Industries is directed to conduct a study to determine whether increased regulation of contractors is necessary, such as a voluntary certificate of competency program.  The study is conducted in consultation with the industry and consumers.

The results are to be reported to the appropriate legislative committees by February 1, 1994.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate    37   4

House     63   33   (House amended)

Senate    40   7   (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:July 25, 1993