Bill would require EVITP-certified electricians to install EV chargers at state facilities

The committee heard testimony March 19 on Substitute Senate Bill 5528, which would require electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) installed at state-owned facilities to be installed by electricians certified by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) or a similar organization.

Jim Morishima briefed the committee that EVITP is a nonprofit certification program offering a 20-hour online curriculum available to licensed electricians; the program currently costs $275. The bill's requirements would begin Jan. 1, 2026, and would not apply to apprentices supervised by EVITP-certified electricians.

Nicole Grant, a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local 46, and other union witnesses said the training helps protect public safety and the state's investment in charging infrastructure. "Having EVITP training for electrical equipment installation on state funded projects is a critical step that the state can take to safeguard its assets and ensure public safety," Grant said. Bernie Kotlier, international co-chair of EVITP, told the committee EVITP is "recognized in all 50 states and Canada" and has trained more than 26,000 electricians; he said EVITP updates its curriculum every three years and requires recertification.

Contractor witnesses and installers supported the training requirement for safety and quality. Vernon Counselor of Oz Electric said the industry is evolving rapidly and higher training standards support infrastructure durability. Several committee members asked why the bill applies only to state-owned facilities rather than publicly funded or private projects; proponents said the narrower scope was an incremental step and could be revisited later.

The committee took no final action; witnesses and staff indicated support for the narrowed bill and expected further discussion on scope and implementation.