SENATE 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 of March 23, 2017
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: Passed House: 3/07/17, 52-45.
Committee Activity: Commerce, Labor & Sports: 3/23/17.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, LABOR & SPORTS |
Staff: Jarrett Sacks (786-7448)
Background: The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) administers electrical contracting and certification laws. It is unlawful to engage in the business of doing certain electrical work without having the proper license or certification. Contractors may be licensed as general or specialty contractors, and electricians may be certified as journey level or specialty electricians.
License requirements include a bond for the payment of labor and for any damages sustained by a failure to comply with the electrical laws, proof of industrial insurance if the contractor has employees, and payment of a fee. Applicants must also designate a person with a master or administrator electrical certificate who ensures all electrical work complies with the law. A person that violates the licensing requirements must be assessed a penalty between $50 and $10,000.
Summary of Bill: Any licensed, self-propelled motor vehicle used by a general or specialty electrical contractor while engaged in the electrical construction trade must be marked with the contractor's legal business name and license number. The marking may be put on by adhesive, painted on the vehicle, or consist of a removable device.
The marking must:
appear on both sides of the vehicle;
be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed;
be readily legible during daylight hours from a distance of 50 feet while the vehicle is stationary; and
be kept and maintained in a manner that retains its legibility.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill will help with inspections and curb underground economy activity. The bill is easy to implement and would not be a large burden on businesses.
CON: The bill will increase costs to businesses and will not solve any of the problems it claims to. There are already laws on the books that require identification for contractors. There are many types of vehicles that the signage requirements do not work for. The bill would require sole proprietors to put their personal information on their personal automobiles.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Matthew Hepner, IBEW. CON: Brent Ludeman, National Electrical Contractors Association; Kerry Cox, ITC Systems/Owner & General Manager; Gary Smith, Independent Business Association; Michael Curley, Washington State Electrical Contractors Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.