SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2253
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 February 27, 2014
Title: An act relating to telecommunications installations.
Brief Description: Concerning telecommunications installations.
Sponsors: Representatives Manweller, Sells, Johnson and Ryu.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/17/14, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/26/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: A person or business engaged in the business of installing or maintaining telecommunications systems must have either a telecommunications contractor license, a general electrical license (01), or a limited energy system specialty license (06). Individual electrician certification is not required for telecommunications work.
The scope of work for telecommunication contractors is defined in statute and rule, and generally allows work on telecommunications systems which encompasses all forms of information generation, processing, and transporting of signals conveyed electronically or optically within or between buildings, including voice, data, video, and audio. Telecommunications systems include structured cabling systems, compatible connecting hardware, telecommunications and premises switching equipment, and infrared, fiber optic, radio-frequency, and other limited-energy interconnections associated with telecommunications systems or appliances.
Summary of Bill: The definition of telecommunications system is amended to cover certain equipment that provides operational power to a telecommunications device and power distribution associated with telecommunications systems.
Horizontal cabling for a telecommunications outlet, necessary to interface with building signal systems outside of a telecommunications closet, is the work of a telecommunications contractor.
Lighting is specifically excluded from the scope of a telecommunications system.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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 bill will allow people who install telecommunications systems to continue to do what they have been doing for years. This is an example of the law having to catch up with changes in technology and equipment.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Manweller, prime sponsor; Kerry Cox, ITC Systems, Owner-GM; Ron Main, Broadband Cable Assn. of WA.