Bill > HB1533

This bill allows specialty electricians who are enrolled in a journey-level apprenticeship program to continue working under their existing specialty certificate of competency, with specific conditions. Under the new law, an employer operating a single-employer apprenticeship program can use an apprentice to perform work under their valid specialty electrician certificate, provided they submit quarterly detailed attestations of hours worked to the Department of Labor and Industries and provide annual notice to the apprentice describing the work arrangement, potential wage implications, and requirements. The hours worked under the specialty certificate will not count toward the apprenticeship program's required work experience, but the employer must provide at least 800 working hours annually that do count toward program completion. The bill includes provisions for the Department of Labor and Industries to suspend an employer's authorization if they willfully or repeatedly submit incorrect information or fail to submit required documentation. The law will take effect on January 1, 2026, and is designed to provide flexibility for electricians transitioning between specialty and journey-level certifications while maintaining oversight to prevent potential abuse.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1533&Year=2025&Initiative=false