HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1855
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 House Committee On:
Labor & Workplace Standards
Title: An act relating to vehicle identification of electrical contractors.
Brief Description: Concerning vehicle identification of electrical contractors.
Sponsors: Representatives Blake, Stambaugh and Gregerson.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Labor & Workplace Standards: 2/7/17, 2/14/17 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & WORKPLACE STANDARDS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Sells, Chair; Gregerson, Vice Chair; Doglio and Frame.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Manweller, Ranking Minority Member; Pike.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative McCabe, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
The electrical laws are administered by the Department of Labor and Industries (Department). The regulatory scheme includes licensure for electrical contractors and certification for electricians. Contractors may be licensed as general or specialty contractors, and similarly, electricians may be certified as journey level or specialty electricians. It is unlawful to engage in the business of the electrical construction trade without being licensed as an electrical general or specialty contractor. License requirements include a bond for payment of labor and for any damages sustained by the failure to comply with the electrical laws, proof of industrial insurance if the contractor has employees, and payment of a fee. The applicant must also designate a person with a master or administrator electrical certificate who ensures all electrical work complies with the law. A person violating the licensing requirements must be assessed a penalty of not less than $50 or more than $10,000.
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Summary of Bill:
Any licensed self-propelled motor vehicle used by a general or specialty contractor while engaged in the electrical construction trade must be marked with the contractor's legal business name and electrical contractor license number. The marks must be on both sides of the vehicle, be in letters that sharply contrast with the background, be readily legible during daylight hours from 50 feet while the vehicle is stationary, and be kept and maintained in a manner that retains the legibility. The marking may be affixed by adhesive or painted on the vehicle, or be a removable device.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This is a simple bill that will help law-abiding contractors. It will assist investigators by letting them see the number as they drive by. General contractors already do this. The marking requirement applies to street vehicles, not vehicles such as forklifts, and the markings can be done cheaply.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Matthew Hepner, Certified Electrical Workers of Washington.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.