HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2410

As Reported by House Committee On:

Commerce & Labor

Title:  An act relating to advisory board of plumbers.

Brief Description:  Authorizing advisory board of plumbers to advise department of labor and industries on proposed legislation.

Sponsors:  Representatives Cairnes, Simpson, Kirby, Armstrong and Haigh.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Commerce & Labor:  1/31/02, 2/1/02 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

$Clarifies that the Board of Plumbers may advise the Department of Labor and Industries on proposed legislation on plumbing.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Conway, Chair; Wood, Vice Chair; Clements, Ranking Minority Member; Chandler, Kenney, Lysen and McMorris.

Staff:  Jill Reinmuth (786‑7134).

Background:

The Advisory Board of Plumbers was created in 1973.  The board has five members:  two journey level plumbers; two persons engaged in the plumbing business; and one member of the public with knowledge of the business and trade of plumbing.  The Governor appoints the members of the board for three‑year staggered terms.

The board advises the director of the Department of Labor and Industries on all matters related to state laws on plumbing.  For example, the board advises the director on rules regulating the plumbing trade and on criteria for examinations of persons who wish to engage in the plumbing trade.  The board also conducts hearings on the revocation of a certificate of competency.

Summary of  Bill:

The state Advisory Board of Plumbers may advise the director of the Department of Labor and Industries on proposed legislation on plumbing.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  It has been suggested that the Advisory Board of Plumbers does not have authority to consider and give advice to the Department of Labor and Industries on proposed legislation affecting the plumbing industry.  This bill is intended to ensure that this function, which the parties believe has always been intended by the Legislature, is not questioned in the future.  It is important that the Legislature have the expert review of those who work in the industry affected by legislation.

(Concerns)  There is a concern that adding specific authority in one advisory board statute could raise questions about the authority for other advisory boards who also review and take positions on legislation.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Representative Cairnes, prime sponsor; and Art Favinger, Advisory Board of Plumbers.

(Concerns)  Mike Ryherd, Washington State Manufactured Housing Association.

(Response to questions)  Pete Schmidt, Department of Labor and Industries.