SB 916 Task Force to Study Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements for Electricians recently passed its second reading in the Senate with amendments based on MACo’s testimony.

SB916 would create a task force to study licensing and continuing education requirements for electricians, including the possibility of transitioning to a statewide licensing system.  MACo’s testimony advocated for consideration of the implications of changing from a local licensing system, and for representation of the different types of local government electricians licensing programs on the task force, including those that issue journeyman licenses.

The Senate Committee on Education, Health and Environmental Affairs adopted amendments in line with MACo’s suggestions, including language requiring the task force to consider how a change to current licensing systems would affect electricians currently licensed at the local level, and local electrical boards.  The amended bill includes additional county representatives on the task force, one which represents a jurisdiction that issues journeyman licenses, and another that represents a jurisdiction with an established continuing education requirement for electricians.

The House version of the bill, HB 1386, sponsored by Delegate Haddaway-Riccio, has been assigned to the Economic Matters Committee, but is still awaiting action.