SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 1757

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

Brief Description:  Requiring continuing education for electricians.

SPONSORS: Representatives Heavey, Veloria, Brumsickle, Lisk and King

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

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

Staff:  Erika Lim (786‑7488)

Hearing Dates: March 29, 1993; April 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Labor and Industries administers examinations to people who want to become certified electricians.  Those who pass the exam are issued certificates of competency.

A certificate is valid until the holder's birthday two years after issuance.  It must be renewed every two years on or before the holder's birthday.  There is a renewal fee and a penalty fee for late renewals.

If a certificate has not been revoked, suspended, or expired for more than 90 days, it may be renewed without having to take another examination. 

SUMMARY:

A certificate of competency is valid until October 31 or April 30, not less than six months nor more than three years after initial issuance.  It must be renewed every three years.

If a certificate has not been revoked, suspended, or expired for more than 90 days, it may be renewed without another examination if the holder demonstrates satisfactory completion of an annual eight-hour continuing education course.  The contents and requirements of the course will be determined by the director and the board.  A continuing education course completed in another state may be used for renewal if the department determines that the out-of-state course is comparable to those required in this state.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

This will make sure that electricians' knowledge and skills are up-to-date.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Joe Brewer, Department of Labor & Industries (pro); Jordy Andrew, IBEW Local 46 (pro); Larry Stevens, National Electrical Contractors' Association (pro)