Committee adopts amendment and advances statewide electrician‑licensing bill with 8,000‑hour grandfather clause

Representative Wilcott introduced an amendment to HB2588 that changes the oversight for statewide electrician licensure, adds a grandfathering clause, and adjusts training and examination provisions. The amendment shifts oversight from the Board of Technical Professions to a division in the State Fire Marshal's Office and adds a clause stating, in part: "nor shall any person be required to be examined who on or before 07/01/2027 provides to the State Fire Marshall documented proof of a minimum of 8000 hours of field experience as defined in subsection e or documented proof of completion of a registered apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor."

Committee members discussed training hours, union involvement and potential impacts on municipal licensing. Representative Wilcott said stakeholders — unions, trade organizations and individual electricians — participated in drafting the amendment. Members noted some municipalities have different hour requirements and asked staff to circulate missing amendment pages; the Revisor asked the sponsor to ensure any additional language is consistent with the amendment text in the box.

The amendment received a second; the sponsor closed and asked the committee to adopt it. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote (the transcript records "Aye" and "Motion passes"). Representative Wilkite, identified as the bill sponsor, then moved to pass HB2588 favorably as amended; Representative Bohai seconded and the committee voted by voice. The transcript records the motions and that they passed but does not provide a roll‑call tally.