FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1280

C 39 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Regarding explosives licenses.

Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Condotta, Chandler, Crouse, Kretz, Kristiansen and Armstrong).

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection

Background:

Under the Washington State Explosives Act, a license issued by the Department of Labor and Industries (Department) is required to manufacture, purchase, sell, use, or store explosives. Licensees must be at least 21 years of age, not have been convicted of a violent offense, and meet other qualifications. By rule, applicants for user licenses must meet specified experience, exam, and training qualifications, depending on the type of blasting the applicant will perform. Experience, training, and exam requirements are also set forth for renewal of user licenses. Applicants for all new and renewal licenses must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history background check.

A license expires one year from the date issued, except that the Director of the Department (Director) may extend storage licenses for permanent facilities to two years under certain conditions. License fees for each type of license are set in statute and the Director may adjust the fees to reflect the administrative costs of the Department up to a specified maximum for each type of license. Applicants must also pay the current federal and state fee for the background check.

Certain explosives licensees must also obtain a federal permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

Summary:

The background check for a renewal of an explosives license is changed from an annual to an every third year requirement.

Votes on Final Passage: