Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 1597

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Requiring plumbing, electrical, and conveyance workers to have licenses, certificates, or permits in their possession while working.

Sponsors: Representative Moeller.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires persons doing electrical, plumbing, and conveyance work to have their licenses and certificates in their possession, and to produce their licenses and certificates upon request.
  • Requires that licenses and certificates include photo identification.
  • Requires counties and cities to refer "alleged or apparent" violations of this requirement to the Department of Labor and Industries for investigation and appropriate enforcement action.

Hearing Date: 2/8/07

Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).

Background:

The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) administers and enforces state laws governing certain construction-related trades. These laws require persons who perform electrical, plumbing, or conveyance work to have appropriate certificates of competency or licenses. Persons who perform such work without appropriate certificates or licenses, as well as persons who employ them, are subject to civil penalties ranging from $250 to $500 for violations of the electrician certification requirement, $250 to $1,000 for violations of the plumber certification requirement, and $500 for violations of the elevator mechanic licensing requirement.

Counties and cities enforce the state building code, which establishes minimum construction requirements. It is composed of building, residential, mechanical, fire, and plumbing model codes.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature finds that dishonest contractors sometimes hire unlicensed and uncertified persons to perform electrical, plumbing, and conveyance work. This practice gives them an unfair competitive advantage. Requiring persons to have their licenses and certificates in their possession while performing this work will help address the problems of the underground economy in the construction industry.

While performing electrical, plumbing, or conveyance work, persons must have their licenses and certificates in their possession. They are encouraged to wear and visibly display their licenses and certificates. They must produce their licenses and certificates upon request of an authorized representative of the Department of Labor and Industries (Department) or a local government official. The licenses and certificates must include photo identification.

Counties and cities must refer "alleged or apparent" violations of this requirement to the Department for investigation and appropriate enforcement action. The Department must investigate such referrals.

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

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available for HB 1013, which also requires that licenses and certificates include photo identification.

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