Title: An act relating to requiring workers to have licenses, certificates, or permits in their possession when performing plumbing, electrical, and conveyance work.

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

Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representative Moeller).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/04/08, 90-2.

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce, Research & Development: 2/21/08, 2/28/08 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin, King, Murray and Prentice.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

Background: The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) 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.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Amendment): An individual performing plumbing, electrical, or conveyance work must have his or her license or certificate in their possession. Certificates or licenses must be produced upon request by an authorized L&I representative. Certificates and licenses must be wallet size, made of a durable material, and include a photograph of the holder.

The maximum penalty that can be assessed against a properly certified or licensed person who fails to produce his or her certificate or license upon request is $50.

The legislation applies to individuals applying for or renewing a license or certification after July 1, 2009.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT (Recommended Amendments): The striking amendment eliminates the L&I workgroup requirement, provides an application date of July 1, 2009, and adds language establishing a maximum penalty.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Engrossed Substitute Bill: PRO: This bill is an important step to ensure license and certification compliance.

OTHER: L&I would like to see a delayed application date so they can make the necessary technology adjustments.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Moeller, prime sponsor; Pete Crow, Washington State Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters; Richard King, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

OTHER: Ron Fuller and Pete Schmidt, L&I.