| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
HB 1013
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Requiring construction contractors to display their licenses and certificates.
Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Conway, Kenney and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/26/07
Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).
Background:
The Department of Labor and Industries (Department) administers and enforces state laws
governing certain construction-related trades. These laws require persons who perform
electrical, plumbing, or conveyance work to have appropriate certificates of competency or
licenses. Persons who perform such work without appropriate certificates or licenses, as well as
persons who employ them, are subject to civil penalties ranging from $250 to $500 for violations
of the electrician certification requirement, $250 to $1,000 for violations of the plumber
certification requirement, and $500 for violations of the elevator mechanic licensing requirement.
Counties and cities enforce the state building code, which establishes minimum construction
requirements. It is composed of building, residential, mechanical, fire, and plumbing model
codes.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature finds that dishonest contractors sometimes hire unlicensed and uncertified
persons to perform electrical, plumbing, and conveyance work. This practice gives them an
unfair competitive advantage. Requiring persons to visibly display their licenses and certificates
will help address the problems of the underground economy in the construction industry.
While performing electrical, plumbing, or conveyance work, persons must wear and visibly
display their certificate or license, which must include photo identification. They are not
required to wear and display their license or certificate if doing so would create a danger or
unsafe condition for the person or the public, so long as they can produce evidence of their
license or certificate.
Counties and cities must refer "alleged or apparent" violations of this requirement to the
Department of Labor and Industries (Department) for investigation and appropriate enforcement
action. The Department must investigate such referrals.
Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.