Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Labor & Workforce Development Committee

HB 2652

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.

Background:

A "contractor" is, in general terms, any person who undertakes to construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish any building or other structure. Contractors must register with the Department of Labor and Industries (Department), which requires payment of a fee and filing of a bond and proof of insurance. Certain advertising requirements apply to contractors. All advertising that shows the contractor's name and address must show the contractor's current registration number. An alphabetized listing of registered contractors showing only the name, address, and phone number may omit the registration number. Signs on motor vehicles and on-premises signs are also not required to show the contactor's registration number.

If the Department has probable cause that a contractor has unlawfully advertised, the Department may issue a citation requiring the person to stop the unlawful advertising. In addition, the person may be subject to a penalty of not more than $10,000. A penalty schedule in rule establishes the penalty as $250 for a first violation, with increased penalties for multiple violations.

Summary of Bill:

The requirement that contractor advertisement showing the name and address must show the contractor's registration number is modified. The exemption for advertising on vehicles is removed.