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.