SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 2131

BYRepresentatives Nutley and Winsley

Making additional requirements for mobile home electrical inspections.

House Committe on Housing

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 30, 1989; March 31, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; McDonald, McMullen, Matson, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Charles A. Woods (786-7452)

                  March 31, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, MARCH 31, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Labor and Industries is responsible for electrical inspection services in the state.  Cities and towns are authorized to provide inspection services for electrical work within their boundaries.  The electrical work must meet the requirements of the state's electrical code.

With the exception of holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Department of Labor and Industries is required to make electrical inspections within 48 hours of the request.  If, after a written request, an electrical inspection is not made within 24 hours, the electrical utility company is authorized to connect electrical power to the installation.  The connection of electrical power is not authorized unless the required state electrical work permit is displayed.

In rural areas, mobile homes have been connected to electrical power, without checking to ensure that other local permits for the mobile home installation have been acquired.

SUMMARY:

Applicants requesting an electrical inspection for mobile homes must provide proof of compliance with the state's mobile home installation standards, and building codes before a connection can be made by an electrical utility company.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Applicants for electrical inspections would only have to show proof of a valid building permit.

Senate Committee - Testified: Artie Roberson, Department of Labor and Industries; Gary Lowe, Association of Washington Counties; Ron Clarke, Washington Manufactured Housing Association; John Jensen, Mobile Home Owners Association; Peter Adamski