What's happening
This bill creates a voluntary state licensing program for master electricians, establishing a board to oversee standards and exams.
Why it matters
Creates a standardized credential. The voluntary license serves as an official recognition that an electrician has met specific training, knowledge, and experience standards, potentially boosting their credibility and employability statewide and in states with reciprocity agreements.
Enables statewide practice. Licensed master electricians would be able to work anywhere in New York State, regardless of conflicting local licensing requirements, reducing barriers for those seeking work across different jurisdictions.
Establishes oversight and professional input. The board of examiners, made up largely of professionals from the field, will set exam content, qualification standards, and licensing fees, ensuring the program reflects industry realities and needs.
Facilitates potential interstate mobility. By providing reciprocity for qualified licensees, the bill could make it easier for New York electricians to practice in other states with similar standards, increasing job opportunities and professional flexibility.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Optional Electrician Licensing
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
7 Co-sponsors
5 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to economic development
- Referred to economic development
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
283
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 5, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. GUNTHER, GALEF, STECK, McDONOUGH, GIGLIO, MONTES- ANO, WALTER -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. CROUCH, FINCH, HOOPER, PERRY, RIVERA -- read once and referred to the Committee on Economic Development
AN ACT to amend the general business law, in relation to establishing voluntary licensing of master electricians
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The general business law is amended by adding a new article 28-F to read as follows:
ARTICLE 28-F
LICENSING OF MASTER ELECTRICIANS
Section 491. Definitions.
492. License; master electrician.
493. Board of examiners.
§ 491. Definitions. As used in this article, unless the context requires otherwise:
1. "Board" means the board of examiners for master electricians established by section four hundred ninety-three of this article.
2. "Department" means the department of state.
3. "Secretary" means the secretary of state.
§ 492. License; master electrician. 1. Any person who is an electrician in this state may apply to the secretary for a license as a master electrician. Such a license shall not be required for the purpose of engaging in the profession of being a master electrician. However, such license shall be indicative that the holder thereof has met the standards for training, knowledge and experience necessary to be a master electrician, and also authorize the holder thereof to engage in the profession of being a master electrician in any other state which grants
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02946-01-7
A. 283 2
reciprocity to electricians licensed pursuant to this article. Furthermore, every person licensed pursuant to this article shall be authorized to practice as a master electrician throughout the state, notwithstanding the provisions of the general city law and the county law.
2. Any electrician wishing to be licensed pursuant to this article shall:
(a) submit an application therefor to the secretary in such form and manner as prescribed by the secretary and containing such information as the board determines to be necessary to determine the qualifications and fitness for licensing of the applicant;
(b) submit the application fee prescribed by the board; and
(c) complete an examination established by the board.
3. Every person who successfully passes the examination established by the board and complies with the provisions of subdivision two of this section shall be licensed pursuant to this article.
4. Every license issued pursuant to this article shall remain in effect for a period of two years, and may be renewed for additional two year periods upon submission of a renewal application and the application fee established by the board.
§ 493. Board of examiners. 1. There shall be established within the department a board of examiners for master electricians. Such board shall consist of thirteen members as follows: the secretary, or his or her designee; four members appointed by the governor; four members appointed by the temporary president of the senate; and four members appointed by the speaker of the assembly. The appointed members shall be broadly representative of persons engaged in the profession of being a master electrician. Each appointed member of the board shall be appointed for a term of two years. Any member may be reappointed for additional terms. The state fire administrator shall serve as an additional non-voting member of the board and shall serve as the chair.
2. The board shall meet not less than three times a year.
3. The board shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing:
(a) the scope of the profession of being a master electrician;
(b) qualifications for being a licensed master electrician;
(c) an examination to determine the knowledge of persons applying for a license pursuant to this article; and
(d) fees for licenses and renewals thereof pursuant to this article.
4. The secretary shall designate an employee of the department to act as secretary to the board, and shall provide such board with such stenographic or other assistance as may be necessary.
5. Members of the board shall receive no compensation but shall be entitled to actual and necessary traveling and other expenses while engaged in the performance of such member's duties pursuant to this article.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law. Provided that any rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made on or before such effective date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.