Wisconsin Electrical Licensing Legislation Continues to Move with Amendments

Both the Wisconsin Senate Bill 167 and Wisconsin Assembly Bill 294 were passed by the Joint Committee on Finance.  The amendment which raises the exemption listed in the legislation from 50 to 100 volts was unanimously approved by the committee. The legislation itself was also approved by the committee. These actions are in the final stages before the legislation is sent to the floor of the Wisconsin Legislature for passage. 

Senate amendment 1, offered by Senator Russell Decker, sponsor of Senate Bill 167 and Assembly amendment 1, offered by Representative Alvin Ott, sponsor of Assembly Bill 294, raises the voltage level from 50 to 100 volts, thus makes a proper distinction between the work of an electronic systems contractor and an electrician. 

CALL TO ACTION:
Please contact your State Senator and State Representative and ask for their support of Senate amendment 1 and Senate Bill 167, and Assembly amendment 1 and Assembly Bill 294. 

Who are your legislators? Click here to find out.

TALKING POINTS:
As introduced, Wisconsin Senate Bill 167 & Assembly Bill 294 with an exemption of only 50 volts will force electronic systems contractors in Wisconsin to hire electricians. This will have a significant impact on the cost of projects for electronic systems contractors. The added cost of hiring an electrician, to continue to work in this industry, will be passed on to consumers and tax payers.

Senate amendment 1 and Assembly amendment 1 raises the voltage to 100 volts. This allows for 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 Senate Bill 167 and Wisconsin Assembly Bill 294 recognizes an electronic systems technician as a completely separate trade from an electrician.

Review the full Senate Bill 167 legislation.
Review the full Senate amendment 1 legislation.

Review the full Assembly Bill 294 legislation.
Review the full Assembly amendment 1 legislation.

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