These bills eliminate the square footage requirement for journeyman electricians. ABC opposes the measure because "it will lead to quotas on the jobsite." The Department is expected to oppose the bills.


HB 519

SB 256


I hope the ECLB makes a recommendation to the legislature to approve this bill. Everyone who thinks this bill is a good idea, should write to your ECLB members and tell them now is the time to voice their opinion!

This issue was a line item on the January BOD meeting agenda. The general consensus was in support of the bill. One of the BOD members, Larry Cogburn, was one of the persons who worked with Senator Wise to remove the square footage rule and is our contact person with regard to the bill. The board approved a draft letter of support I wrote up and submitted to Senator Wise.

It is my understanding the Electrical Council of Florida, along with a few of the other State Recognized Apprenticeship Programs have also signaled their support for the bill.

I HOPE IT DOESN'T DIE IN COMMITTEE...

I suppose this is the time to get things like this ... when there are more "journeymen" than jobs.

It's never a good idea to compromise on good policy just becuase of the current state of things. Things move so slow that by the time good laws get put on the books that are good for the industry, hopefully the industry will be back on its feet.

I agree. Now is the time to pass something that enforces carded journeyman.
So everyone has time to get a card before the economy comes back.
Then it should not be a major milestone to contractors to find them.

I'm in favor of a Journeyman card as long as it doesn't get out of hand which it probably will. As long as ANYONE can take a comprehensive test showing that they qualify as a Journeyman fine. Were I was born and raised, Maine, in order to get a Journeyman's license you need:
1. 8000 hrs of OJT
2. Associate's Degree in Electrical Power Technology -2 year school
3. Pass a test

Electrical Contractor:
1. 12,000 hrs OJT
2. Asso. Degree in Electrical Power Technology
3. 20 semester hours of Business
4. Pass the test

In Florida I was Senior Electrical Inspector/Plans Examiner. In Maine I'm a helper.
This is old school protectionism.

The Bill is DEAD...

"05/02/09 SENATE Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration"