SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6434
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. |
As of January 27, 2010
Title: An act relating to requiring the home inspector advisory licensing board to provide for classroom instruction in both eastern and western Washington.
Brief Description: Requiring the home inspector advisory licensing board to provide for classroom instruction in both eastern and western Washington.
Sponsors: Senators Honeyford, Kohl-Welles and Parlette.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/26/10.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: The Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board (Board) was created in 2008. The Board assists the Department of Licensing (Department) in administering the home inspector licensing program. The Board may: establish rules for adoption by the Department; establish the minimum qualifications for licensing applicants; approve the method of administering licensing examinations; approve the content of licensing examinations; set the time and place of examinations; and establish and review standards of professional conduct of home inspectors.
In order to become licensed as a home inspector, a person must submit the following to the Department: an application on a form developed by the Department; proof of at least 120 hours of classroom instruction approved by the Board; proof of up to 40 hours of field training supervised by a licensed home inspector; evidence that the person has successfully passed a written exam administered by the Department; and a fee set by the Department.
Summary of Bill: The Board may approve programs of classroom instruction that may be taken by applicants to meet the licensure requirements. Approved programs must be offered in both Eastern and Western Washington.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This requires that a course be offered in Eastern Washington. It is a disservice to the residents of Eastern Washington to not have a course in the area, and this is an issue of equality.
CON: We have education providers from out-of-state and I'm not sure how we could force these people to hold a class in Eastern Washington. Everyone who holds a class in Western Washington would have to hold class in Eastern Washington, whether or not there is a demand for it, and we do not know how that will work. We have never said that people are not allowed to hold classes in Eastern Washington, we just haven't had people come forward who have wanted to do it. What happens to all the companies that the home inspector board has approved? Do we have to require our out-of-state providers to hold a class in Eastern Washington now? We take our courses on the road and will do so if the need arises, but there is a significant cost per student to do that. If there is a need over there, someone will step forward and provide it and the free marketplace should sort that out.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Honeyford, prime sponsor.
CON: Charles Buell, Bellingham Technical College; Michael O'Handley, Your Inspector Inc.; Bruce MacKintosh, Home Inspectors Licensing Board; Patrick Knight, WIN Home Inspection.