ELECTRICIAN LICENSURE EXCEPTIONS                                                     S.B. 358 (S-1):

                                                                                                      FLOOR SUMMARY

Senate Bill 358 (Substitute S-1 as reported by the Committee of the Whole)

Sponsor:  Senator Arlan Meekhof

Committee:  Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Electrical Administrative Act to add exemptions from the requirement to have an electrical contractor's license for certain electrical work.

The Act makes exemptions for certain agencies and utilities with regard to installing, altering, or repairing electrical equipment, or wiring, in certain circumstances.  The bill would extend these exceptions to an "independent power producer", which would mean a person, other than an electric utility, that owns or operates a facility that generates electricity and sells electricity primarily at wholesale.

The Act also exempts certain work that is performed by either a mechanical contractor who has a limited contractor's license or a licensed plumbing contractor.  The bill would extend this exception to work by an employee of either of these licensees.

The bill would make a new exception for work by an employee or agent of a person engaged in manufacturing or mining operations.  Authorized work would include the installation, alteration, maintenance, repair, or renovation of electrical wiring, at or in a property, business location, plant, factory, or facility, if two conditions were met. 

First, the person engaged in manufacturing or mining operations would have to employ or engage a licensed master electrician designated as responsible for the following at the authorized work site: 1) code compliance; 2) obtaining any required permits; and 3) recording the work hours of apprentice employees.

Second, the person engaged in manufacturing or mining operations would have to give the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs written notice, which would have to include contact information and signatures of the designated electrician and the person engaged in manufacturing or mining operations or an authorized agent.  If a different electrician were designated as responsible for code compliance, the person would have to file an updated written notice.  If the designated electrician ceased to be responsible for code compliance, the person or electrician would have to notify the Department within 60 days. 

MCL 338.887                                                             Legislative Analyst:  Glenn Steffens

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

Date Completed:  10-16-13                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.