FINAL BILL REPORT

                 EHB 3003

FULL VETO

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Exempting computer wires and fiber optic cables from electrical wiring requirements.

Sponsors:  Representatives Honeyford, Crouse, Mielke, Wensman, Benson, Clements, Schoesler and Bush.

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:  The Department of Labor and Industries regulates the installation, repair and maintenance of electrical wires, equipment, and services. This regulatory process involves the permitting and inspection of electrical work. The department inspects all electrical wiring, appliances, devices and equipment regulated by the electricians and electrical installations statute. The statute exempts from inspection telephone, telegraph, radio, television wires and equipment, television antenna installations, signal strength amplifiers, and coaxial installations.

The department issues journeyman electrician certificates of competency and electrical contractor licenses to qualified individuals who wish to engage in the electrical trade.

Summary: Fiber optic cables are exempted from the electricians and electrical installations statute.  Persons or business entities that repair, install, or maintain structured communication cabling are exempted from electrical contractor licensing, and electricians' certification requirements.

Votes on Final Passage:

House6036

Senate2720(Senate amended)

House(House refused to concur)

Senate2421(Senate receded; failed)

Senate2722(Senate reconsidered)