HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                     HB 2068

Brief Description:  Allowing counties to inspect electrical installations.

Sponsors:  Representatives McMorris, Grant, Sherstad, and Thompson

                    Hearing:  March 3, 1997

BACKGROUND:

The state electrical code establishes electrical wiring requirements for all types of residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings or structures. All equipment, including industrial control panels, that uses, conducts, or is operated by electrical current must conform to the code and the rules developed by the department to carry out the code. 

The State Electrical Code is based on the National Electrical Code developed by the National Fire Protection Association and applicable regulations and standards of the Underwriter's Laboratories Inc., or other electrical product laboratories accredited by the department. Electrical inspectors are appointed by the director of the department to enforce the requirements of the code.

Cities and towns are authorized to enact ordinances or rules regulating electrical installations within their boundaries that are equal to, or higher than the standards established by the state electrical code. The Director of the department and officials of all cities and towns  where electrical inspections are required by ordinance have the authority to enforce their particular electrical code. A city or town must require that its electrical inspectors meet the same qualifications as those required of state electrical inspectors.

SUMMARY OF BILL:

The legislature declares that counties should be given the same authority to perform electrical inspections as cities and towns.

Therefore, a county is authorized to enact and enforce its own electrical ordinance relating to electrical wiring and installation.  The ordinance must be equal to, or higher than the standards established by the state electrical code. 

Counties opting to perform their own electrical inspections must give first consideration for employment to inspectors currently employed with the department.

RULES AUTHORITY:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

FISCAL NOTE:  March 3, 1997.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.