We entered the 2025 legislative session with a role of making sure that nothing negative happened to our mission of providing good service for our clients and the general public. The following amendments have been incorporated as well as a grant to help create and expand educational catalyst centers. 

HB 28 On-Premise Sign Installation Amendments was initiated by Young Electric Sign to allow them to install on-premise electric signs. This bill developed into a compromise bill between the sponsor and our electricians allowing for the installation of minor electrical service to on-premise signs no more than 10 feet from an existing outlet or disconnect and does not exceed 120 volts and 20 amperes.

HB 313 Construction Industry Amendments amended the state construction code to align with updated standards in the International Residential Code (IRC) and in the National Electric Code (NEC).  In the IRC, the bill allows for a triplex or fourplex of no more than two levels with a two-hour fire resistance-rated vertical wall and a one-hour horizontal wall with independent egress from each unit. The bill also, in its last version, amended water heater regulations regarding no NOx water heaters in non-attainment areas, leaving the state with dual water heater regulations.

HB 442 Construction Trades Licensing Amendments provides requirements for a general engineering contractor license for electrical utilities and allows the general engineering contractor to provide services in certain areas. The bill also provides definitions for HVAC, HVAC contractor and a journeyman lineman. Finally, it allows the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) through rulemaking to further define the scope of work by rule for certain electrical, plumbing or HVAC contractors.

HB 447 Statewide Catalyst Campus Model establishes a grant program for government and business associations to help local education agencies create or expand catalyst centers. The grants may be annual or multi-year(s).