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SB 5265

Expanding minimum requirements for electrical inspectors to include certain out-of-state experience.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Boehnke and 4 co-sponsors

SB 5265 adds an out-of-state licensing/experience route to Washington electrical inspector qualifications, expanding the pool and speeding electrical permits and inspections.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5265

Bill Summary — SB 5265 (Chapter 132, 2025 Laws)

Effective July 27, 2025

Purpose

SB 5265 expands the minimum qualification pathways for state electrical inspectors to allow specified out‑of‑state experience and licensing to count toward the inspector qualification requirements. The change is intended to increase the pool of eligible inspector candidates (particularly from neighboring states with reciprocal licensing) to address inspector shortages and speed permitting/inspection processes.

Key provisions

  • Amends RCW 19.28.321 to add an additional qualification route for electrical inspectors appointed by the Director of the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
  • New pathway (in addition to existing routes) requires:
    • A Washington journey‑level electrician certificate issued by L&I; and
    • Eight years of experience in the electrical construction trade installing and maintaining wiring and equipment, at least four of which occurred after obtaining a journey‑level electrician license or certificate by examination from another state electrical licensing or certification authority that has a reciprocal licensing agreement with Washington for journey‑level electricians.
  • Existing qualification options remain unchanged:
    • Four years’ experience as a journey‑level electrician in the electrical construction trade; or
    • Four years’ experience as a journey‑level electrician performing electrical inspector duties for L&I or a city/town with an approved program.
  • Continues existing rule that work governed by the National Electrical Safety Code may be inspected by certified outside journeyperson lineworkers with four years’ experience (and maintains requirement that inspectors hired exclusively for NESC work must hold and maintain that certification).
  • Compensation and travel expenses for state inspectors continue to be set by the director and paid from the electrical license fund.
  • No new appropriation; fiscal note available.

Who is affected

  • Department of Labor & Industries and municipal inspection programs (hiring authorities).
  • Journey‑level electricians seeking inspector positions, especially those with qualifying out‑of‑state licenses from jurisdictions that have reciprocal agreements with Washington.
  • Contractors, permit applicants, and local governments that rely on timely electrical inspections.

Implementation & timeline

  • Governor signed: April 22, 2025.
  • Chaptered as: Chapter 132, 2025 Laws.
  • Effective date: July 27, 2025 (90 days after adjournment as noted).
  • No appropriation included; fiscal note accompanies the bill.

Legislative history & votes

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025.
  • Passed Senate (as substitute): Feb 26, 2025 — Yeas 46, Nays 2.
  • Passed House: April 10, 2025 — Yeas 96, Nays 0.
  • Delivered to Governor: April 17, 2025; signed April 22, 2025.

Stakeholder input

  • Supporters (L&I work group, local governments, labor representatives) cited inspector shortages, the benefit for border communities (e.g., Oregon), and improved permitting timeliness to support housing and construction. No recorded opposition during committee hearings.

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

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