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:
Restricted Nonresidential Maintenance (07). This specialty is limited to a maximum of 277 volts/20 amperes for lighting branch circuits or 250 volts/60 amperes for other circuits excluding repair circuit breakers;
Equipment Repair (07E). This specialty involves servicing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing utilization equipment; and
Telecommunications (09). This scope includes the installation, maintenance, and testing of telecommunications systems, equipment, and related specified work. Telecommunications systems are structured cabling systems that begin at the demarcation point between the local service provider and the customer's premises structured cabling system.
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.