Bill description: SB1009 would create a new occupational license — that of an electrical installer — under the Division of Building Safety.

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Does it increase barriers to entry into the market? Examples include occupational licensure, the minimum wage, and restrictions on home businesses. Conversely, does it remove barriers to entry into the market?

This bill would introduce a new occupational license: electrical installer. With the creation of this license, the state Division of Building Safety would be given the power to make rules for workers in this occupation.

Currently, the Division of Building Safety already regulates several licenses in electrical occupations: apprentice, journeyman electrician, master electrician, electrical contractor, specialty electrician trainee, specialty electrician, and specialty electrical contractor. This bill would add a new licenses under their power.

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Though this bill adds to the occupational licensing power of the Division of Building Safety, it does fill a gap that some Idahoans face in electrical occupations.

The current pathway for most electricians is from an apprentice electrician to a journeyman. Certain people in this field, however,  do not test for or do not pass the journeyman exam and return to an apprenticeship program. Others, who move from out of state and have work experience but no schooling, are eligible for the journeyman license but not an apprenticeship program.

This new license would give new Idahoans a path to work as an Electrical Installer until they can take the journeyman exam. It would also give apprentice electricians a new occupation to move into if they still want to be under the supervision of an electrician instead of being an independent journeyman.

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