Brief Description: Concerning the appliance repair specialty.

Sponsors: Representatives Conway and Wood.

Hearing Date: 3/3/03

Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).

Background:

State law requires persons who engage in the business of repairing or making like-in-kind replacements of hard-wired appliances to have either a general electrical contractor license or an appropriate specialty electrical contractor license. Similarly, persons who repair or make like-in-kind replacements of hard-wired appliances must be certified as journey level electricians or appropriate specialty electricians. The Department of Labor and Industries has proposed rules establishing an appliance repair specialty. This speciality's scope of work includes servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing household appliances, small commercial/industrial appliances, and other small utilization equipment.

State law also requires property owners and electrical contractors to purchase electrical work permits for all electrical installations or alterations, including the repair or like-in-kind replacement of hard-wired appliances. The Department of Labor and Industries, or the applicable city or town, must inspect such installations.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature finds that persons who work in the appliance repair specialty are subject to electrical licensing and certification requirements.

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

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.