SENATE BILL REPORT

                           EHB 1083

  AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE, APRIL 2, 1993

Brief Description:  Using electrical contractors' licenses.

SPONSORS: Representatives Scott and G. Cole

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Moore, Chairman; Prentice, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Fraser, McAuliffe, Pelz, and Sutherland.

Staff:  Erika Lim (786‑7488)

Hearing Dates: April 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Persons who are in the business of installing or maintaining electrical wires or related electrical equipment must have an electrical contractor's license issued by the Department of Labor and Industries.  Violations of the licensing requirements will be assessed civil penalties between $50 and $10,000.

In general, licensed construction contractors cannot transfer licenses to unlicensed contractors, nor can they allow unlicensed contractors to work under licenses issued to other contractors.  Electrical contractors, however, are not subject to these prohibitions. 

Also, in general, licensed construction contractors must list their license numbers on all contracts, correspondence, documents, and certain written advertising.  Electrical contractors are also not held to this requirement.

SUMMARY:

The minimum civil penalty for violation of this chapter is raised from $50 to $200. 

Electrical contractors cannot transfer licenses to unlicensed contractors, nor can they allow unlicensed electrical contractors to work with a license issued to other electrical contractors. 

Electrical contractors must show their license numbers on all contracts, correspondence, and documents.  Their license numbers must also appear in written advertisements and in all direct solicitations to nonbusiness customers.  Signs on motor vehicles or on business premises do not constitute advertising.  Radio and TV ads do not have to list a number provided the person selling the advertisement obtains the license number. 

Electrical contractors shall not falsify license numbers.  Contractors and parties associated with them must use their true names and addresses.

Violations of any of these provisions will be assessed civil penalties between $200 and $10,000.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:  None

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  No one