Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Local Government Committee |
HB 2214
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: Concerning the training of code enforcement officials.
Sponsors: Representatives Takko and Springer.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/20/14
Staff: Michaela Murdock (786-7289).
Background:
Apprenticeship Programs.
The Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (Council), which is part of the Department of Labor and Industries (L & I), establishes apprenticeship program standards, approves apprenticeship training programs, and otherwise governs the programs. Programs must conform to state and federal law, and rules adopted by the Department of Labor and Industries. There are currently numerous apprenticeship programs across the state in a variety of occupations.
All newly approved apprenticeship programs must be represented by an apprenticeship committee. Apprenticeship committees devise standards for programs and are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the programs. A unilateral apprenticeship committee has employer representatives, and may include employees, but does not have a bona fide collective bargaining agent as a participant. A joint apprenticeship committee is composed of an equal number of employer representatives and employees, as well as includes bona fide collective bargaining agents. All apprenticeship committees must be approved by the council, and must be composed of an equal number of employer and employee representatives.
A "sponsor" of an apprenticeship training program is any person, firm, association, committee, or organization operating an apprenticeship and training program and in whose name the program is registered or is to be registered. Apprenticeship committees are composed of persons designated by the sponsor.
The Code Officials Apprenticeship Program.
The Code Officials Apprenticeship Program (Program) was initially approved in 2009. It is sponsored by the Washington Association of Building Officials and is registered with the Council.
State Building Code Enforcement.
The State Building Code Act (SBCA) provides, among other things, minimum performance standards and requirements for construction and construction materials, consistent with accepted standards of engineering, fire, and life safety. The SBCA, with some exceptions, limitations, and amendments, adopts by reference various international model codes, which comprise the state building code.
The governing body of each county or city is authorized to amend the state building code as it applies within its jurisdiction; however, the minimum performance standards of the codes may not be diminished. Counties and cities are required by the SBCA to enforce the state building code.
Building Permit - Fee.
Building permits for structures are issued by local jurisdictions. There is a fee of $4.50 imposed on each building permit issued by a county or city, plus an additional surcharge of $2.00 for each residential unit, not including the first, on each building containing more than one residential unit. Quarterly, each county and city must remit money collected pursuant to this fee to the State Treasury, which is then used for purposes of the State Building Code Council.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature finds that support for technical training and the Program will provide: (1) consistent training for code officials for all jurisdictions; (2) education on the implementation of new energy and green construction codes; (3) equal access to training; (4) a reduction of the employment cost burden of local jurisdictions; and (5) leverage of training dollars.
A fee of $2.00 is imposed on each building permit issued by a county or city. Funds collected from the fee must be deposited in the Code Officials Apprenticeship and Training Account, which is created in the State Treasury. Distributions from the account may only be made after appropriation.
Revenue from the fee must be appropriated to the Department of Revenue, and then distributed to the sponsor of the Program. The funds must be used for the following expenses:
expenses of establishing and operating the program;
administrative expenses of the joint apprenticeship training committee for the program; and
expenses related to training programs for code officials provided by public or private entities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 14, 2014.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.