2000-02-01                     Senate Journal                      Page 2145
SB 234                                                                       
SENATE BILL NO. 234 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                              
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                          
                                                                               
An Act relating to the inspection of boilers and                              
pressure vessels and to fees for services under the                            
boilers and pressure vessels program; and providing                            
for an effective date.                                                         
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and             
Finance Committees.                                                            
                                                                               
Fiscal note published today from Department of Labor.                          
                                                                               
Governors transmittal letter dated January 31:                                 
                                                                               
Dear President Pearce:                                                         
                                                                               
This bill I transmit today will bring greater efficiency to the state's        
boiler and pressure vessel inspection program while allowing the               
Department of Labor and Workforce Development to generate a                    
predictable amount of revenue, prioritize routine inspections, and             
better address the needs of the public.                                        
                                                                               

2000-02-01                     Senate Journal                      Page 2146
SB 234                                                                       
Under current law, the Department of Labor and Workforce                       
Development (department) is to inspect boiler and pressure vessels             
every one to five years, depending on the type of machinery. At the            
time of inspection, the department charges an inspection fee in                
addition to a fee for a certificate of operation. This bill simplifies the     
system by allowing the department to annually issue certificates of            
operation to all boilers or pressure vessels, while selectively                
determining which of them need an inspection. A fee structure will             
be established for the certificates, but routine inspections would be          
free.  A fee would be charged for any special inspections.                     
                                                                               
The State of Oregon has adopted a similar program and found it to              
be quite successful. This program will ensure safe operation of                
boilers and pressure vessels in the state while removing unnecessary           
steps in the inspection and certification process.                             
                                                                               
					Sincerely,                                                                
					/s/                                                                       
					Tony Knowles                                                              
					Governor