REPRESENTATIVE  KEVIN  MEYER,  sponsor   of  HB  291-LICENSING  OF                                                          
RESIDENTIAL  CONTRACTORS,  explained   that  HB  291  extends  the                                                          
application  period for  a residential  contractor's license  from                                                              
six to  12 months  after the  applicant has  passed the  exam. The                                                              
extension will make the application  process consistent with other                                                              
license application processes and  will allow a contractor time to                                                              
get financing  together for a  residential project.  He introduced                                                              
the measure after a constituent passed  the exam but was forced to                                                              
go  to Arizona  where his  wife was  hospitalized.  He missed  the                                                              
application   deadline   upon   his  return.   The   Division   of                                                              
Occupational  Licensing found  no reason  for the  six month  time                                                              
period.  He  stated  that  he  has  heard  no  opposition  to  the                                                              
legislation.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR  COWDERY   moved  to  calendar  CSHB  291(L&C)   with  its                                                              
accompanying fiscal note at the Chairman's discretion.                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
CHAIRMAN PHILLIPS announced that  with no objection, CSHB 291(L&C)                                                              
will be calendared tomorrow.