Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 1324

Brief Description:  Expanding membership of the electrical board by appointment of one outside line worker.

Sponsors:  Representatives Conway, Campbell, Wood, Kenney and Hunt.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Adds one outside line worker to the electrical board.

Hearing Date:  2/7/02

Staff:  Jill Reinmuth (786‑7134).

Background:

State law requires that persons who install or maintain wires or equipment to convey electric current be licensed.  It does not require that utilities and persons employed by utilities who install, repair, and maintain lines, wires, apparatus, or equipment used to light streets or public areas, or to transmit or distribute electricity to customers be licensed.  The workers who construct and maintain electric transmission and distribution facilities are known as outside line workers.

The Department of Labor and Industries licenses electrical contractors and certifies electrical administrators.  The department also regulates the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical wires, equipment, and services. 

The Electrical Board advises the director of the department on electrical and telecommunications installation standards, inspection procedures, and adoption of rules pertaining to electrical inspections.  The board also reviews appeals of license revocations and suspensions, as well as other citations.

The 13 voting members of the board represent various segments of the electrical and telecommunications industries and the public.  The one nonvoting board member is a city building official.  These board members are appointed by the Governor with the advice of the director of the department.  The secretary of the board is the chief electrical inspector.   

The board meets at least once each quarter. The board members are compensated no more than $50 per day for days in which they attend official meetings or perform official duties.  They are also reimbursed for travel expenses.  These costs are paid from the electrical license fund.

Summary of Bill:

One outside line worker is added as a voting member of the electrical board.

Rules Authority:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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