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Contractors and DES agree certification language is needed as testimony highlights inspection errors
Summary
HB1426 would require certified professionals be involved in Department of Environmental Services program decisions. Contractors cited cases where non‑certified inspectors changed project scopes and raised costs; DES said it does not oppose the amended language but warned of cross‑program costs and staffing challenges.
Representative Kessle Ring opened HB1426 by arguing state programs should have qualified certified professionals making technical licensing and enforcement decisions.
Michael Misellia, an asbestos‑abatement contractor with decades of experience, told the committee non‑certified inspectors have misclassified materials, required costly workarounds and created liability and scheduling problems for owners and contractors. He gave specific examples in school and modular‑unit projects where different characterizations altered removal options and project cost.
Department of Environmental Services officials (Mike Fitzgerald and Ted Deers) said the department does not oppose the bill as amended but cautioned that it would affect many DES programs, require recruitment and retention efforts to staff certified roles, and could pose conflicts for staff who develop certification examinations. DES officials also noted potential funding mismatches if grant budgets do not cover certification costs.
The sponsor said she would accept a minor amendment worked out with the department, and the committee closed the hearing after questioning. DES and industry representatives will continue technical discussions to refine scope and language.
