HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 57
(By Douglas, Collins, Angotti, Azinger, Butcher, Caputo, Everson,
Flanigan, Hatfield, Kuhn, Manchin, Marshall, Modesitt,
Overington, Perdue, Prunty, J. Smith, L. Smith, Stalnaker,
Tucker, Varner, H. K. White and Willison)
Requesting the joint committee on government and finance to study
the impact of transferring the licensure of electricians from
the state fire marshal to the division of labor.
Whereas, The Legislature enacted laws requiring the licensure
of electricians for the purpose of protecting the health, safety
and welfare of the public and property by assuring the competence
of those who perform electrical work;
Whereas, Electricians' licenses are currently issued through
the state fire marshal's office, and the Legislature has been asked
to consider legislation transferring electrician's licensure to the
division of labor;
Whereas, Concern exists as to the extent to which either the
state fire marshal or the division of labor can be effective in
protecting the welfare of the public and assuring the competence of
those who perform electrical work;
Whereas, Although concern exists as to the fiscal implications
of any transfer of responsibility for licensure of electricians,
sufficient funds are generated by licensure fees of electricians
to, at a minimum, investigate complaints of unskilled work or work that may present a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the
citizens of the state; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the joint committee on government and finance is hereby
requested to appoint a select interim committee to study the
feasibility and financial and other impact of options related to
licensure of electricians; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the select interim committee consult
with the state fire marshal, the division of labor and other
affected and interested parties in its study; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the joint committee on government and
finance report to the regular session of the Legislature in the
year two thousand its findings, conclusions and recommendations,
together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its
recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft a necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the joint committee on
government and finance.