Bill
HB 5906
HB 5906 tightens licensing for installing electrical wiring, fire alarm systems, and signs, requires permits from licensing boards or towns, and allows some out-of-state sign licen
HB 5906 (2025-2026) — Michigan
Summary
HB 5906 would amend the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (2016 PA 407) to modify licensing and permit requirements for certain electrical and related work. The bill is a tie-bar with HB 5905 and would take effect only if HB 5905 is enacted.
Purpose and intent
- To reinforce licensing requirements for individuals who install electrical wiring and related systems.
- To clarify permit and inspection authority in municipalities with inspection services.
- To streamline or standardize reciprocal licensing for sign specialty licensure coming from individuals licensed in other states.
Key provisions and changes
- Section 731 (general licensing and permits for electrical work):
- Reaffirms that, generally, only a licensed individual may install electrical wiring.
- In municipalities with inspection service, a permit must be obtained from the licensing board or the local municipality with jurisdiction.
- Section 731(2) charitable organization exception:
- If electrical wiring is installed at no compensation by a person licensed under the act, the property owner may obtain the required permit.
- This charitable exception applies only to reconstruction, renovation, or remodeling of 1- to 4-family dwellings.
- Section 731(3) and (4) licensing for fire alarm systems and electric signs:
- No person may erect, install, alter, repair, service, or maintain fire alarm system wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment without a license (within the scope of the act, subject to section 737).
- No person may install, connect, repair, or maintain electric signs and related wiring without a license (within the scope of the act, subject to section 737).
- Section 731(5) licensure without examination for sign specialists:
- The board and department may issue a license without examination for sign specialists if the individual is licensed or regulated in another state and those standards are deemed to meet or exceed Michigan’s standards.
- Enacting provision:
- The act’s effective date is contingent on passage of HB 5905 (a tie-bar bill).
Who is affected
- Electricians and electrical contractors seeking to install wiring and related systems (fire alarm systems, electric signs) must hold the appropriate license.
- Municipalities with inspection services will enforce permit requirements tied to licensing.
- Property owners undertaking reconstruction, renovation, or remodeling of 1- to 4-family dwellings may obtain permits for work performed by licensed individuals without compensation under the charitable exception.
- Out-of-state sign specialists may benefit from a license-without-examination pathway if their state’s standards are comparable or higher.
Procedural/timeline aspects
- Introduced April 29, 2026 by Rep. Pavlov.
- Referred to Committee on Regulatory Reform.
- Enactment is contingent on the passage of HB 5905 (tie-bar condition).
- If HB 5905 does not pass, HB 5906 would not take effect.
Notes
- The bill closely ties to existing provisions in the Skilled Trades Regulation Act and references the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act for certain exemptions.
- It preserves licensing integrity while offering a streamlined path for out-of-state sign specialists.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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