Wisconsin Senate to hold Hearing on Electrical Licensing Legislation

ATTN: CEDIA Members in the State of Wisconsin

Following the public hearing of Senate Bill 167, the Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Labor and Industry will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. on Assembly Bill 294, legislation related to statewide electrical licensing.

Notice of the Public Hearing: 
In April, the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate introduced companion bills Assembly Bill 294 and Senate Bill 167 to regulate electrical wiring and statewide licensure of electricians.  As introduced, both pieces of legislation include an exemption for those who install, repair,or maintain equipment or systems operating at 50 volts or less.

CEDIA along with other electronic communication associations have worked with the bill sponsors to raise the exemption listed in the legislation from 50 volts to 100 volts. 

Assembly amendment 1 offered by Representative Alvin Ott, sponsor of Assembly Bill 294, raises the voltage level to 100 volts and thus makes a proper distinction between the work of an electronic systems contractor and an electrician. 

*CALL TO ACTION: 
CEDIA will attend the Assembly public hearing and provide testimony to encourage committee members to support Assembly amendment 1 to Assembly Bill 294. Help deliver CEDIA’s message and make plans now to attend.

*If you are unable to attend the Assembly public hearing, please contact your State Representative and ask for their support of Assembly amendment 1 to Assembly Bill 294.  If your Representative does not serve on the Committee on Labor and Industry, please have them contact their colleagues who serve on the committee.

TALKING POINTS:
As introduced, Wisconsin Assembly Bill 294 with an exemption of only 50 volts would force electronic systems contractors working in Wisconsin to have to hire electricians to continue operating their businesses. This additional requirement will have a significant impact on the cost of projects electronic systems contractors complete. The added cost of hiring an electrician, to be able to continue to work in this field, would be passed on to consumers and tax payers at significantly higher costs. 
                                         
Assembly amendment 1 raises the voltage level to 100 volts and thus makes a proper distinction between the work of an electronic systems technician and the work of an electrician. By raising the voltage level to 100 volts, Wisconsin Assembly Bill 294 recognizes an electronic systems technician as a completely separate trade from an electrician. 

To review the full legislation and amendment, please click Assembly Bill 294 and Assembly amendment 1. 

Questions?  Contact Darren Reaman at (800) 669 -5329 ext. 144 or dreaman@cedia.org.