Legislature(1993 - 1994)
05/03/1993 02:50 PM Senate FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 249(STA) am
An Act reestablishing the Board of Electrical Examiners
and extending the termination date of the Board of
Mechanical Examiners; relating to electrical and
mechanical administrators; and providing for an
effective date.
Co-chair Pearce directed that CSSSHB 249 (STA)am be brought
on for discussion. REPRESENTATIVE GARY DAVIS came before
committee and directed attention to SCS CSSSHB 249 (L&C).
He explained that the proposed bill would address an
emergency which will occur August 31, 1993, when all
electrical administrators' licenses--approximately 600
statewide--will expire. The legislation reestablishes the
board of electrical examiners which was sunset June 30,
1992. Reestablishment will allow for renewal of licenses
slated to expire in August. In the absence of renewal,
there will be no electric administrators to ensure proper
installation of electrical systems throughout the state.
Inclusion of the mechanical examiner board is simply a house
cleaning measure intended to alleviate a similar fate for
licensed mechanical administrators. The mechanical examiner
board is scheduled to expire June 30, 1993.
Electrical administrators are master electricians charged
with overseeing proper installation of electrical work done
by journeymen and apprentice electricians. They are
certified and licensed by the state to provide protection
and safety to the public and property. Without electrical
administrator oversight, there is increased risk of
improperly installed electrical systems.
Co-chair Pearce acknowledged need to provide a licensing
function for electrical and mechanical administrators. She
questioned, however, reestablishment of the two boards.
Representative Davis advised that reestablishment of the
electrical board was viewed as the vehicle to ensure
movement of the bill. Senator Kelly voiced his
understanding that the proposed legislation effects a "one-
year fix." The legislature will have to deal with the issue
on a more long-term basis next year. Representative Davis
concurred, pointing to the emergency nature of the current
situation as cited in the position paper from the Dept. of
Labor. The department will be reviewing mechanisms to
"smooth out the process" during the interim.
Co-chair Pearce again asked why a board was necessary rather
than merely a licensing function. She further questioned
transfer of electrical administrator licensing from the
Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development (which oversees
all licensing) to the Dept. of Labor. Representative Gary
Davis explained that the licensing function was being
transferred to the Dept. of Labor since that department has
enforcement authority. The Governor's Office requested the
transfer.
CHARLES MAHLEN, Commissioner, Dept. of Labor, came before
committee in response to concerns regarding the transfer.
He expressed his belief that "licensing for the occupation
should be within the occupation," (i.e., the Dept. of Fish
and Game should issue hunting and fishing licenses, the
Dept. of Public Safety should issue drivers' licenses).
Pertinent departments have the expertise for enforcement and
control. That is different from professional licenses under
the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development. Electrical
and mechanical licensing does not belong under Commerce.
The Dept. of Labor already issues journeymen licenses and
regulates the occupation.
Commissioner Mahlen noted that the original board was sunset
because of lack of regulation enforcement within the Dept.
of Commerce and Economic Development. The proposed bill
represents a "one-year fix"--an attempt to get licensing in
the proper department while working out "the fine points."
Co-chair Pearce observed that the boards and commissions
task force recommended the above-noted sunset. Commissioner
Mahlen advised of many complaints of lack of enforcement.
There was, however, no way to transfer the licensing
function. That was one of the reasons for sunset. Co-chair
Pearce acknowledged need to reestablish licensing but again
questioned need for the board.
Senator Kerttula directed attention to page 2, section 7,
lines 16 through 18, and raised a question concerning the
exemption. Representative Davis attested to exclusions
where oversight by an electrical administrator is not
required (municipalities and electrical utilities were given
as examples). Commissioner Mahlen added that professional
electrical engineers or mechanical engineers would not have
to take licensing tests because of their expertise.
Commissioner Mahlen stressed the importance of electrical
and mechanical administrators to the health and safety of
the public. The Dept. of Labor has only four electrical
inspectors and two plumbing inspectors statewide. Alaska
now has 616 electrical and 605 mechanical administrators.
These individuals are equivalent to electrical and
mechanical engineers in installation expertise. They ensure
the safety of all facilities under their jurisdiction and
are necessary to protect the public, contractors, and the
labor force from unqualified and non-resident low bidders.
The proposed transfer from the Dept. of Commerce and
Economic Development will provide for consolidation of
licensing, regulation, and enforcement within the
appropriate department.
Senator Kelly MOVED that SCS CSSSHB 249 (L&C) pass from
committee with individual recommendations. No objection
having been raised, SCS CSSSHB 249 (L&C) was REPORTED OUT of
committee with a $118.6 fiscal note from the Dept. of Labor,
and a note from the Dept. of Commerce and Economic
Development showing a reduction of ($5.9). All members
signed the committee report with a "do pass" recommendation.
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