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House passes bill loosening direct-supervision language for electricians after heated floor debate
Summary
The House approved House Bill 2-14 to remove a statutory requirement for "direct" on-the-job supervision of electrical apprentices. Supporters said the change lets the industry regulate itself and reduces construction costs; opponents warned it creates safety and reciprocity concerns.
The Idaho House on March 5 passed House Bill 2-14, which replaces a statutory reference to “direct” supervision of electrical apprentices with a different supervision standard drawn from recently promulgated rules.
The bill’s sponsor (Representative, District 7) told the House the change reflects industry-promulgated language and would allow contractors more flexibility on job sites. "All I did was strike 'direct'—I took the rule and moved it into statute," the sponsor said on the floor.
Opponents, including members who declared conflicts as licensed electricians or business owners, argued the single-word change matters for safety, training and reciprocity with other states. "Direct supervision is important," a floor opponent (Representative, District 29) said, warning the change could introduce a conflict between code sections.
Committee testimony was mixed; proponents said the ratio change allowing more apprentices had already been adopted and that contractors carry liability insurance and remain responsible for work quality. Critics pointed to negotiated rulemaking that produced the current compromise and said the Legislature should not alter that compromise in statute.
The final roll call reported 36 ayes, 33 nays and 1 absent/excused. The bill passed and will be transmitted to the Senate.
Why it matters: the statutory wording determines the supervision standard for apprentices across residential, commercial and industrial jobs. Supporters framed the change as a small, practical fix to reduce cost and improve workforce flexibility; opponents said it weakens training safeguards and risks safety and interstate reciprocity.
No amendments were recorded on the floor. The House transmitted the passed bill to the Senate.
