BILL REQ. #:  H-5497.1 

READ FIRST TIME 02/11/08.   

     AN ACT Relating to a sunrise review of the need for single-family residential contractor licensing; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The department of licensing shall conduct a review of the need for regulation of general and specialty contractors involved in the repair, alteration, or construction of single-family homes using the public interest criteria set forth in RCW 18.118.010. In conducting the review, the department of licensing shall:
     (a) Consult with representatives of and suppliers to residential contractors, consumer protection organizations and consumers, legal authorities, and any entity or individual that may assist in identifying the source or cause of prevalent home construction defects or concerns;
     (b) Examine any general and specialty contractor regulatory and licensing programs in other states; and
     (c) Conduct one or more public hearings to allow for industry and consumer testimony.
     (2) The department of labor and industries and the office of the attorney general shall make available to the department of licensing any home construction defect and related consumer complaints. The department of licensing shall compile and evaluate consumer complaints and use this data and other data gathered throughout the research process to assist in conducting the review required by subsection (1) of this section.
     (3) By October 1, 2008, the department of licensing shall submit recommendations to the appropriate committees of the legislature regarding:
     (a) The need for regulation of general and specialty contractors involved in the construction and remodel of residential single-family homes; and
     (b) If some form of regulation is recommended, the minimum qualifications to meet the regulatory standard.
     (4) This section expires July 1, 2009.