MACo Associate Director Andrea Mansfield testified in support of SB 235 with amendments before the Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee on Thursday, February 17.  SB 235 would continue the State Board of Master Electricians through July 1, 2017, require the Board to adopt continuing education requirements for licensure, and require the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to convene a stakeholders group to make recommendations regarding the establishment of a State Board of Electricians.

MACo’s testimony expressed concern with language outlining the charge of the stakeholders group which directs the group to recommend a process to preempt the local licensing of electricians and the elimination of local boards.  MACo would welcome the opportunity for counties to participate in discussions to improve the licensing of electricians, but believes this study language is designed to lead to a predetermined outcome.

MACo offered amendments at the hearing to broaden the focus of the stakeholders’ study to examine the licensing process at the State and local level to determine the most appropriate approach to protect citizens and provide for licensing across county lines.