SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6133
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection, January 30, 2012
Title: An act relating to requiring training for eligibility for certain electrician certifications.
Brief Description: Requiring training for eligibility for certain electrician certifications.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Roach, Kohl-Welles, Nelson, Kline and Keiser.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/19/12, 1/23/12, 1/30/12 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Conway, Vice Chair; Keiser and Kline.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senators Holmquist Newbry, Ranking Minority Member; King, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Stephanie Christensen (786-7405)
Background: To become a certified electrician, a person must start as an electrical trainee. An electrical trainee must obtain an electrical training certificate. The certificate, which must be renewed biennially, allows the trainee to learn the electrical construction trade while under the direct supervision of a certified electrician. To renew the certificate, the trainee must complete 32 hours of approved classroom training, which increases to 48 hours on July 1, 2013.
An applicant for a journeyman certificate of competency or a specialty electrician certificate of competency must have worked in the electrical construction trade for a minimum of 2,000 to 8,000 hours, depending on the certificate applied for.
Summary of Bill: An applicant for a journeyman certificate of competency or a specialty electrician certificate of competency must complete a minimum of 24 to 96 hours of classroom training, depending on the number of work hours required for certification, to be certified.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2013.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There are currently no classroom education requirements for certification as a journeyman or specialty electrician in Washington. Oregon and Idaho have classroom education requirements, and both states have fewer electrical fires each year than Washington. Washington should impose classroom education requirements to improve safety and be on par with our our neighboring states.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Nicole Grant, Certified Electrical Workers of WA; Jack Knottingham, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Teresa Mosqueda, WA State Labor Council.