SENATE BILL REPORT

                  ESB 5984

              As of Third Reading, March 17, 1997

Title:  An act relating to premanufactured electric power generation equipment assemblies.

Brief Description:  Regulating power generator installations.

Sponsors:  Senators Schow, Hochstatter and Prince.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce & Labor:  3/3/97, 3/5/97 [DPS, DNPS].

Failed Senate, 3/17/97, 23-26.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5984 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators Schow, Chair; Horn, Vice Chair; Anderson and Newhouse.

Minority Report:  Do not pass substitute.

  Signed by Senators Franklin, Fraser and Heavey.

Staff:  Patrick Woods (786-7430)

Background:  Currently, the Department of Labor and Industries, regulates the business and practice of installing, repairing or maintaining electrical equipment and services.  The general process of regulation is as follows:

Electrical Contractors License:  In order to engage in the business of installing or servicing electrical equipment, an individual must obtain a contractor=s license.  A contractor=s license is obtained by submitting an application, the payment of a $200 fee, and the maintenance of a $4,000 bond.

Certified Electrical Administrator:  A licensed contractor is required to have a certified electrical administrator supervising each job site.  In order to obtain an administrator=s certificate, an individual must pass a comprehensive state test and pay a $60 license fee.

Journeyman/Specialty Electrician:  In order to perform electrical installations or services, an individual worker must complete the necessary training, pass a state examination and pay a certification fee.

Electrical Permits:  All electrical installations, repairs or modifications, unless specifically exempt, are required to receive a permit and be inspected by the Department of Labor and Industries or an authorized city agency.

There are certain exceptions to various provisions of this regulatory process including: electrical utility employees working on power lines up to the point of contact with service meters; individuals installing or repairing ignition or lighting systems for motor vehicles; and individuals working on their own residence provided the appropriate permits and inspections are provided.

Manufacturers of power generation equipment are requesting a specific exemption be provided from current state electrical contractor licensing and electrical certification requirements.

Summary of Bill:  Manufacturers of power generators and  their employees are not required to obtain an electrical contractor=s license or electrical journeyman/specialty certificate while installing, maintaining or repairing premanufactured power generation or control equipment.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 27, 1997.

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

Testimony For:  Manufacturers of electrical generation equipment are most qualified to work on their own products.  The current requirements are costly and burdensome to these manufacturers.

Testimony Against:  It is very important for public safety to have licensed contractors and certified electricians conducting electrical work of this kind which could have serious consequences if done improperly.

Testified:  Mark Triplett, NC/Caterpillar (pro); Larry Stevens, National Electrical Contractors Association (con); Dick King, IBEW #46 (con).