FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6650

C 66 L 04

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Providing the department of labor and industries with the rule-making authority to address recommendations of the elevator safety advisory committee relating to the licensing of private residence conveyance work.

Sponsors: Senators Keiser and Hewitt; by request of Department of Labor & Industries.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Trade

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background: In 2002, new licensing requirements for elevator mechanics and contractors were enacted. In 2003, those requirements were amended to exempt certain workers who are regularly employed to maintain conveyances at manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, and similar facilities. The 2003 legislation also exempted, until July 1, 2004, work on conveyances located at private residences if the work is performed at the direction of the owner, and the owner resides at the residence.

In the legislation, adopted last year, the Elevator Safety Advisory Committee was directed to review the regulation of conveyances in private residences and report its findings to the Legislature by January 1, 2004. The advisory committee made the following recommendations:

      (a) Licensing requirements should be established for work (installation, maintenance, etc.) done on conveyances at private residences, and the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) should be authorized to establish such requirements by rule.

      (b) Maintenance work performed by the owner of a residence, or at the owner's direction, should be exempt from licensing if the owner resides in the residence and the conveyance is not accessible to the general public.

      (c) The Legislature should consider providing L&I with additional resources to more effectively ensure that owners of private residence conveyances know their legal duties.

Summary: L&I is directed to adopt rules establishing licensing requirements for work on conveyances located at private residences, with maintenance work performed by or at the direction of the owner exempt from licensing, if the owner resides in the residence, and the conveyance is not accessible to the general public. Conveyances located in or at boarding homes, adult family homes, and similarly licensed care-giving facilities are not included within this exemption. The rules are to take effect July 1, 2004.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate       48  0

House       95  0

Effective: June 10, 2004