SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2886

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Commerce & Labor, February 26, 2016

Title: An act relating to electrical scope of practice.

Brief Description: Concerning electrical scope of practice.

Sponsors: Representative Manweller.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/16/16, 97-1.

Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 2/24/16, 2/26/16 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Baumgartner, Chair; Braun, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Ranking Minority Member; Conway, Keiser, King and Warnick.

Staff: Susan Jones (786-7404)

Background: The electrical laws are administered by the Department of Labor and Industries (Department). The laws include licensure for electrical contractors and certification for electricians. Electricians may be certified as journey level, or as multiple types of specialty electricians. Certification is not required for the telecommunications specialty. Most specialty scopes of work are established in rule. However, three specialty scopes are in statute. These are:

Summary of Bill: The Department may modify the scopes of work for the restricted nonresidential maintenance, equipment repair specialty, and telecommunications electrical specialties. For the equipment repair and telecommunications specialties, the Department may specify wiring, appliances, devices, or equipment by rule. For the nonresidential maintenance specialty, the Department may modify the scope by rule.

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: Only three scopes of practice in the electrical field are so narrowly drawn in statute. L&I cannot modify them by rule and people can lose their jobs. L&I cannot keep up with the changes in technology with these three scopes. L&I does not have authority to adjust the scopes. If this passes, L&I will consult with the Electrical Board for the rules. These are just minor adjustments. This will allow L&I to fix the problems and expand the scopes of practice without having to come back to the legislature.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Matt Manweller, Prime Sponsor; Ron Main, Broadband Communications Association of WA.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.