The League’s Annual Bull and Oyster Roast is scheduled for Sunday, October 8, 2023. We hope you plan to attend this exciting event. Check back for details.
Thank you!
Author: ElectricLeague
State Electrical Legislative Alert from Gil Thompson, ELM Vice-President
February 16, 2021 – LEGISLATIVE ALERT
The following article is a response by Gil Thompson, Vice President and Legislative Liaison for the Electric League of Maryland. This is his opinion concerning matters affecting the electrical industry.
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I was very surprised on Wednesday afternoon, February 10, 2021, to become aware of two electrical legislative bills (Senate Bill 762 and House Bill 1262) that had been introduced for action in the 2021 Maryland Legislative Session.
Click the following links to read the two bills.
Senate Bill 762 – Legislation – SB0762 (maryland.gov)
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/sb/sb0762f.pdf
House Bill 1262 – Legislation – HB1262 (maryland.gov)
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb1262F.pdf
Surprised – because prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it had been decided by various electrical organizations that any legislative action or procedures to change Maryland‘s electrical laws would be put on hold. This would allow representatives from the various groups to provide their input and to discuss major changes to the present law. Various electrical industry leaders wanted to make sure that it would enhance licensing and code regulations, assure that there would be a skilled workforce performing electrical services, and set standards that would entice future applicants and workers so that we would continue to have a viable industry, always keeping in mind that the main purpose was to protect the general public.
As far I know, some individuals and/or organizations decided to introduce this new (but often discussed) legislation without having the various committees meet and become an integral part of the wording for the changes.
I am going to offer my opinion on Senate Bill 762 by Senator McCray, realizing that House Bill 1262 by Delegate Hornberger is a companion bill and has the same objective: to change the Maryland Electrical Law being used at the present time (2021) unless changed.
Note:
- The new bill will give the State Electrical Board the only or sole regulatory power that will issue electrical licenses.
- Local electrical administrative boards that now issue a license to operate in their jurisdiction will only be allowed to register (not license) those persons doing electrical services.
- The local boards will no longer be allowed to test for Master, Journeyperson, or Apprentices for licensure unless they are given approval by the State Board. At the present time, there are only five local jurisdictions that license journeypersons and their procedures or requirements will probably dry up as journeypersons will be required to mandatorily hold a State License so why would a person pay two fees when one would suffice?
- The 22 local jurisdictions that now issue licenses may have to change their local law to accommodate the new way to register rather than license electricians in their jurisdictions.
- The new law will also require all persons who provides electrical services to be regulated and licensed by the State Board. However, there is a provision that will allow local jurisdictions to regulate those persons who are registered by them. However, the final decision about licenses will be made by the State Electrical Board.
- The local boards will have to provide records and information about any new registrations, reciprocity agreements, violations of their local regulations, and any other information required by the State Board on an annual basis.
- There could be some questions raised about the continuing education provisions. Will the State requirement satisfy any local requirements that are now needed? It has been assumed that the ten hours of State regulations will satisfy the continuing education clause, but it is not written so everyone can understand it.
- There also could be a question about testing of electricians, as the State Board will have the only authority, unless given approval to various boards. (There is no provision of what it takes to be approved.)
- The State Board will seem to use the questions for the exams submitted by MUELEC. There is also a provision that they can appoint a committee to develop test questions.
- There could also be a question raised about the local variances or exceptions to the National Electrical Code. Local variances should be included in Part (3) which will provide a State-wide code within 18 months of adoption by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).
- There was to be a provision to license low voltage electricians at the submission of the new change to the law. Discussion on voltage limitations had hopefully been resolved and that industry could be included in the present law to have the same benefits of one insurance policy covering them State-wide and also be able to take advantage of the (“passport provision”) – and reciprocity.
Here is a synopsis, given by the bill writer, and I want you, as a supporter, a member, and reader, to obtain your own copy of the bills and make your own determination. Please note that by July 1, 2021, jurisdictions will no longer be allowed to license Master, Journeypersons, or Apprentices.
“Altering the powers and duties of the State Board of Master Electricians; changing the name of the State Board of Master Electricians to the State Board of Electricians; requiring the Department, by December 1, 2024, to adopt regulations necessary for the regulation and licensing of low-voltage electricians if certain legislation establishing a certain licensing program is not enacted by July 1, 2024; prohibiting, beginning on a certain date, local jurisdictions from issuing certain licenses, etc.”
As the bill is written, it gives the State sole regulatory power of licensing but accomplishes State-wide master, journeyperson, and apprentices licensing and other regulatory powers looked for in the past such as: having a Master or Journeyperson on every job and that proper signs and advertisement be consistent, as well as allowing local jurisdictions to continue to function.
If you, as an electrician or a local jurisdictional authority, are willing to give up licensing for registration, local testing (unless approved), and to take on the red tape and time schedules of the State Board, then you have to make up your mind as to whether you will support or reject these latest bills. Remember – sometimes the State Board does not have enough members to even have a quorum for a meeting and because of other regulatory issues, they even table or postpone some decisions. A question should be raised: Is there enough clerical help to take on six to eight thousand more licenses and the ability to resolve problems that arise in the electrical trade across the State?
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that sometimes State regulations and oversight are not the most logical answer.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Gilbert L. Thompson
Vice President and Legislative Liaison for the ELM
Phone: 410.592.7676
Email: susanjeanne@verizon.net
A Letter From Pete Elmo, ELM President – November 2020
2020 started out with a feeling of Hope and Joy. We have a New Code!! Stock market is climbing. All is good with world and God!!
Then it became the Real 2020; the Corona Virus came upon the country. My heart goes out to anyone who has contracted this Virus, my heart goes out to all that have passed, or lost a family member or friend to this COVID Plague!! Hope they are with God under his Control!
The League is also operating under lock-down conditions! We have not been able to have classes and have been forced to go “Virtual” – the word of 2020 operations. We are even forced to try and get membership under control. The League will start 2021 fresh with everyone’s renewals – Individual, Corporate, or Sponsoring membership! Please help by providing your correct email and a current phone number!
Sadly, we had to cancel the Bull Roast! In 2021, the League will continue to push forward with “Virtual Lunch and Learn” – your own food, so no complaints!!
Our outstanding members, Marty Schumacher, Lee Jolley, HCECA, and IEC, will continue to offer classes. DID YOU KNOW our instructors holding the classes give a 10% discount to League Members in good standing? This is license renewal year!! So, you get your $35 back quickly with 3 Classes!!
Finish out the year with a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!! 2021 hit the ground running; continue to remember you are an Electrician. Nothing can hold you back except yourself!! Make a strong effort to improve your world and all those around you that look for your leadership and guidance!
Made in America!! God Bless America!!
Remember God is in Control!
Sincerely,
Peter V. Elmo
President, Electric League of Maryland
Webinar – THANK YOU …
Thank you to Marty Schumacher for the “Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs” webinar he presented on September 21, 2020 for FREE to ELM and IAEI members and friends. The webinar was very informative and Marty did an excellent job presenting the information.
Thanks also to those who joined in on the webinar.
Have a safe and healthy fall season.
An important update from ELM
To All Electric League of Maryland Members and Friends:
We are sending this e-mail to keep our members, supporters, readers, and friends up to date on matters affecting our industry. Although this material is lengthy, please note the League’s positive actions on several key issues. Perhaps you will find something in this material that will inform and help you in your daily workplace. Rest assured, you will be hearing from us once the health crisis is over.
Click here to read the important update.
The Board of Directors of the Electric League of Maryland sends best wishes for health and safety and hopes that businesses will be able to survive the many challenges that have come to light because of COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Gilbert Thompson
ELM Vice President
A Letter From Pete Elmo, ELM President – January 2020
The end of the old 2019 and the beginning of the New Year and the 2020 Code. Just 20 short years ago, believe it or not, the country was in fear of computers revolt on the country structures, banking problems, systems shutting down!! But the next day, January 1, 2000 came and went, but systems continued to operate normal!
Now we are reading for the 2020 Code, computers taking over the country labor and cleaning your house! Remember as an Electrician, YOU are in Charge! You control all the solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, coal, oil power systems. You distribute the power, then connect the public to the power. Then, you install all the creature features to make their lives comfortable to them!
Electricians control all the automated equipment that will do all the work of these machines! The 2020 Code will enhance the protection of life and property!!
There will be Code classes held and as Members of the Electric League, they are offering a discount for members in good-standing to take their class at a discount! The League will continue to bring the “Lunch and Learn” classes with BGE! The League will continue to post the classes on the webpage.
Thank you. Stay strong. Remember, Electricians can always have work! We make it All Work!! Get CEUs!
Sincerely,
Peter Elmo
President, Electric League of Maryland
January 2020 News & Notes
Yes, we are ringing in a New Year at the Electric League, and we have good news for our members and readers!
The Executive Board took some positive action at our last meeting that we think will help our organization and all who participate in advancing our professional, complex, and every-growing industry.
First of all, we plan to enhance our website. This will expand the opportunities to learn more about the League, our sponsors, our corporate members, and to gain information that we think will make the website more user-friendly.
Second, we have recently received a large sponsorship from BGE and other interested parties. This sponsorship should help us deepen our efforts to promote and educate journey persons so they will become part of a skilled workforce as the next decade unfolds.
Third, we have decided that those sponsors and corporate members who donate those type of monies to ensure the League remains financially stable should be recognized in a special category. From our website, we will provide a link to sponsor and corporation websites for the purpose of connecting them to each other and the industry. It will be easy to see the contributions that they make to our industry.
Fourth, we have also made arrangements to make it possible for active dues-paying corporate members to be allowed to receive a ten percent (10%) discount for up to ten (10) of their employees when they enroll in special courses given by: Harford County’s Apprenticeship Program, the Independent Electrical Contractors Association (Laurel, MD), M.S. Electrical Training by Marty Schumacher, Lee Jolley’s special seminars, and our own Lunch and Learn classes.
By clicking on the drop-down menu, you can go back and review past successful “Lunch and Learn” courses; such programs as: Solar and the Micro Grid; Past and Future Electric Vehicles; Projected 2020 NEC changes that occur for AFCI, Ground-fault (GFCI) and new disconnecting means that will be required on single-family dwellings (intended to provide protection for first responders).
In the future, we are also planning to have Lunch and learn programs on innovative concepts such as stored energy systems (batteries without electrodes) as well as a new power system called POE (Power Over the Ethernet).
Additionally, we plan to feature a new section called “Codes, Standards, and Regulations.” For example, at their November 2019 meeting, the MD Uniform Examination Committee (the group that prepares the electrical examination for the State License) gave notice to all licensing boards that the 2017 NEC questions still will be used for examinations until January 1, 2021. Starting January 1, 2021, all examination questions will be based on the 2020 NEC. This will allow all qualified applicants one year to become familiar with the new 2020 code and will make certain that all licensees after January 1, 2021 will have been examined on the latest, up-to-date electrical code for the State of Maryland. By checking this area on our website periodically, we can encourage people to stay informed.
Note – Keep an eye out during the upcoming legislative session for any unforeseen electrical law changes. We have been informed by all legislative agencies that they will not be proposing any new changes to the electrical law for this upcoming session. However, as everyone is aware, anyone can propose a legislative bill, so we must be alert if it happens.
At some electrical contractors and inspectors meetings, people have been inquiring as to why we do not offer code change classes and educational seminars as we have done in the past. We want everyone to realize that we do not want to be in competition with professional presenters and their scheduled code change seminars. We are content to provide up-to-date legislative news, promote a code of ethics, and try as best we can to educate and supply future skilled workers for our industry.
Check out future News and Notes for more information of interest.
Gil Thompson
Vice President, Electric League of Maryland
A Letter From Pete Elmo, ELM President
The Board Members of the Electric League of Maryland want to thank the many individuals who contributed time, talent, and resources to make the 29th Bull Roast a huge success. Many people worked behind the scenes to coordinate the tickets, door prizes, raffles, and advertising. Your help is deeply appreciated.
We were glad to connect with so many electrical industry groups and friends, old and new. Many of the door prizes were donated by such supply houses as: Capital TriState, Dominion, Graybar, Rexel, Maurice, Branch, HCEA, IAEI, and C.P.S. and friends such as Dennis Felts, Leonard Bathgate, Scott Bowers, and Ward Boland.
It is gratifying to know we can count on people like you to support this important fundraiser and to join us in celebrating the electrical industry. And, as a reminder, we are sponsoring an excellent “Lunch and Learn” on December 5; join us if your schedule allows (details below).
An upcoming “Lunch and Learn” class on the 2020 NEC Changes is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 10:45 a.m. – 2:00pm at BGE Energy Sales and Service Building in Woodlawn, MD.
Instructor Mr. Lee Jolley, Chief of Electrical Inspections for Baltimore County (one of Maryland’s code experts) will present a preview of a few major changes to the 2020 NEC. He will concentrate on the effects of the installation and placement rules for GFCIs, AFCIs, and the new concept that will be required for disconnecting means to provide safety of installers, users, and first responders.
Lunch: 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Class: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $50 for League Members; $60 for Non-Members
Attendees will receive 2.5 hours of continuing education. Continuing Education Certificates will be provided for each attendee. Registrants must attend the full session to receive a certificate for continuing education.
Again, thank you for your support of the Electric League of Maryland.
Enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday,
Peter Elmo
President, Electric League of Maryland
A Letter From Gil Thompson, ELM Vice President
Contrary to what some people have been saying, the Electric League of MD is not dead, and we have every intention of being one of the active forces for the electrical industry in the years ahead…so, the League wants to thank those generous sponsors and supporters of the League who gave door prizes and financial assistance so that it will help ensure the stability and necessary growth of our organization.
We received over 200 door prizes, the raffle gifts, and $3,300 in financial aid, all in addition to the ticket sales for the Bull Roast. In addition to the raffle items (all donated, at no expense to us), we received financial sponsorships to help offset the cost of the appetizers, shrimp, bar, desserts, special centerpieces and part of the band cost. These financial sponsorships were provided by: Bob Roby of Miles Electric, Jim Gillin of JM Gillin, George Lang of Power Factor LLC, Brandt Rider of Fulton Bank, Amanda Sockriter of Capital Electric, and Wayne Matheu of Enterprise Electric.
We have also received generous donations of funds to offset the printing cost from Ewing Associates (Diane Ewing), as well as a wonderful new concept for education of future electricians from Dennis Felts of HCECA and Marty Schumacher of MS Electrical Training.
Wonderful door prizes came from Rexel, Graybar, O.T. Hall, Capital Electric, Dominion, Maurice, P.C.S., Leonard Bathgate, Main Street Electric, The Sasser’s, and Kroeger Electric.
These acts of generosity allow the League to conduct educational and training programs, foster goodwill with the public and our members, encourages a code of ethics, and be the coordinated body to help with legislation and promote industry objectives. The list is long, and forgive us if we have missed a name or firm.
After the Board of Director’s Meeting in December, look on our website for new innovative ideas about corporate and sponsoring membership dues.
Gratefully,
Gil Thompson
ELM Vice President