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H 153

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND JOURNEYMEN – Amends existing law to provide for dual master electrician and journeyman electrician licensure issuance.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 153 allows Master Electricians in Idaho to automatically receive Journeyman licenses, streamlining the process and supporting workforce development.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 14, 2025 Session Law Chapter 77 Effective: 07/01/2025
#electricityandelectricians #energy #licensesandpermits #occupationalandprofessionallicenses #utilities
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Bill Summary · H 153

Summary of House Bill 153 (H 153)

Title

Electrical Contractors and Journeymen – Amends existing law to provide for dual master electrician and journeyman electrician licensure issuance.

Status

  • Reported Signed by Governor: March 14, 2025
  • Session Law Chapter: 77
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Introduction

  • Introduced On: February 6, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Electricity and Electricians, Energy, Licenses and Permits, Occupational and Professional Licenses, Utilities

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 153 aims to streamline the electrical licensing process in Idaho by allowing individuals who obtain a Master Electrician’s License to automatically receive a Journeyman Electrician’s License at no additional cost or requirements. This change recognizes the advanced qualifications of master electricians and seeks to eliminate unnecessary administrative steps, thereby supporting workforce development and addressing labor shortages in the electrical sector.

Key Provisions

  1. Automatic Issuance of Licenses:

    • Individuals who obtain a Master Electrician’s License will also receive a Journeyman Electrician’s License automatically, without any extra fees or requirements.

  2. Amendments to Licensing Sections:

    • The bill amends Section 54-1007 of the Idaho Code to facilitate the dual issuance of licenses.
    • It also updates Section 54-1014 regarding the renewal processes for both master and journeyman electrician licenses.

  3. Reciprocity and Qualifications:

    • The bill maintains provisions for reciprocity with other states, allowing electricians licensed in other states to obtain Idaho licenses if their qualifications meet Idaho standards.

  4. Administrative Efficiency:

    • The streamlined process is expected to reduce administrative costs by eliminating redundant processing, making the licensing framework more efficient and self-sustaining.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Licensed electricians in Idaho, particularly those seeking to advance from journeyman to master electrician status.
    • The electrical contracting industry, which may benefit from a more readily available workforce due to reduced barriers to licensure.

  • Fiscal Considerations:

    • The implementation of this updated licensing structure will be funded through existing licensure fees, with no additional appropriations required from the state general fund. The changes are expected to be revenue-neutral.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 6, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Business Committee.
  • March 10, 2025: Passed in the Senate with a vote of 35-0.
  • March 14, 2025: Signed by the Governor and reported as Session Law Chapter 77.
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact:
- Representative Josh Wheeler
- Phone: (208) 332-1000

This summary provides a concise overview of House Bill 153, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and the expected impact on the electrical licensing landscape in Idaho.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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