SIGN SPECIALTY LICENSURE
House Bill 5349 with House committee amendment
Sponsor: Rep. Julie Dennis
Committee: Regulatory Reform
First Analysis (3-4-04)
BRIEF SUMMARY: The bill would exempt manufacturers of electric signs from certain licensing requirements in the Electrical Administrative Act that apply to the installation, maintenance, and repair of electric sign wiring.
FISCAL IMPACT: The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or on local governments.
THE APPARENT PROBLEM:
The Electrical Administrative Act requires the licensure of electric “sign specialists” and “sign specialty contractors”. The act defines a sign specialty contractor as a person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of manufacturing, installing, maintaining, connecting, or repairing electric sign wiring or devices. It also lists the licensing criteria a person must meet to obtain a sign specialist’s license, including a specified amount of experience in the manufacture, installation, maintenance, connection, or repair of electric signs and relate wiring. The intent of the act is, among other things, to establish sub-specialty licenses, below the level of an electrician’s license, for individuals engaged in work on electric signs. Knowledgeable observers say the act was not intended to apply to those firms and individuals who only manufacture signs but was intended for those who are engaged in the installing, connecting, maintaining, and repairing of signs, all of which involve electrical wiring. Reportedly, the act is ambiguous on this matter at present. Legislation to clarify this has been introduced.
THE CONTENT OF THE BILL:
The bill would amend the Electrical Administrative Act to remove the word “manufacturing” 1) from the definition of a “sign specialty contractor”, and 2) from the list of licensing criteria for obtaining a sign specialist’s license. This would exempt those who only manufacture electric signs from meeting from being considered a sign specialty contractor or from having to obtain a sign specialist’s license.
The bill also would add the new correct name to the overseeing department, the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (rather than the Department of Consumer and Industry Services).
MCL 338.881b and 338.883k
ARGUMENTS:
For:
The aim of the bill is to exempt companies and individuals engaged only in the manufacturing of electric signs from the sub-specialty licensure requirements of the Electrical Administrative Act. The requirements would continue to apply to those engaged in installing, maintaining, connecting, or repairing of electric signs and wiring.
POSITIONS:
The Department of Labor and Economic Growth has indicated support for the bill. (2-24-04)
Legislative Analyst: Chris Couch
Fiscal Analyst: Steve Stauff
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.