HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 2131

As Amended by the Senate

BYRepresentatives Nutley and Winsley

Making additional requirements for mobile home electrical inspections.

House Committe on Housing

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Nutley, Chair; Leonard, Vice Chair; Winsley, Ranking Republican Member; Anderson, Ballard, Inslee, Padden, Rector and Todd.

House Staff:Kenny Pittman (786-7392)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 15, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Labor and Industries is responsible for electrical inspection services in the state.  Cities and towns are authorized to provide inspection services for electrical work within their boundaries.  The electrical work must meet the requirements of the state's electrical code.

With the exception of holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the Department of Labor and Industries is required to make electrical inspections within 48 hours of the request.  If, after a written request, an electrical inspection is not made within 24 hours, the electrical utility company is authorized to connect electrical power to the installation.  The connection of electrical power is not authorized unless the required state electrical work permit is displayed.

In rural areas, mobile homes have been connected to electrical power, without checking to ensure that other local permits for the mobile home installation have been acquired.

SUMMARY:

Applicants requesting an electrical inspection for mobile homes must provide proof of compliance with the state's mobile home installation standards, and building codes before a connection can be made by an electrical utility company.

EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENTS:  Technical amendment that replaces reference to specific mobile home installation standard with reference to a current building permit issued by an appropriate county or city before an electrical connection to a mobile home is made.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Randy Scott, Washington State Association of Counties; Ron Clarke, Washington Manufactured Housing Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This legislation is needed to provide an additional safeguard against electrical connections to mobile homes where the owner does not have a permit to install the mobile home.  The language in the bill will provide the Department of Labor and Industries the needed direction.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Yeas 98