Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Local Government Committee

HB 2213

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: Creating a joint legislative task force to determine the most appropriate and effective delivery of electrical code adoption, rule-making, and inspection services.

Sponsors: Representatives Takko and Springer.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates a 19 member joint legislative task force (task force) to determine the most effective delivery of electrical code adoption, rule-making, and inspection services.

  • Requires the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2014.

Hearing Date: 1/20/14

Staff: Amanda Ondrick (786-7296).

Background:

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) and the State Building Code Council (SBCC) both provide construction code adoption and rule-making services. The L&I provides code adoption and rule-making services for the electrical code while the SBCC provides code adoption and rule-making services for the building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and energy codes. Both agencies perform similar tasks, except that L&I also provides electrical inspection service. In accordance with the State Building Code, all cities and counties must provide building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and energy code inspection services.

Summary of Bill:

A 19 member joint legislative task force (task force) is created to determine the most appropriate and effective delivery of electrical code adoption, rule-making, and inspection services. The task force is comprised of members from the House and Senate caucuses, the Director of L&I, the Director of Department of Enterprise Services, a representative of organized labor, and other specified apointees. Legislative members appointed by the majority caucuses in the Senate and House of Representatives will cochair the task force.

The task force is directed to review and recommend specific changes to the State Building Code and statutes governing electricians and electrical installations. Based on its findings, the task force will make recommendations for improving the delivery of electrical code adoption, rule-making, and inspection services by December 1, 2014.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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