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SB445

To Amend The Law Concerning The Licensure Of Electrical Inspectors.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died on House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment.

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AI-Generated Summary

Senate Bill 445 amends the requirements for obtaining a license as an electrical inspector in Arkansas. It clarifies and expands the eligibility criteria, allowing individuals with specific fire service inspection certifications or International Code Council credentials—coupled with relevant professional experience—to qualify alongside master and journeyman electricians. The bill also mandates that newly hired electrical inspectors complete a two-day training program provided by the Department of Labor and Licensing. Additionally, the legislation streamlines the application process by standardizing requirements for proof of licensure or certification and sets a maximum application fee of fifty dollars. These changes aim to standardize the qualifications for those responsible for ensuring the safety of electrical installations across the state.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries include fire service professionals and inspectors with specific International Code Council or National Fire Protection Association certifications, as the bill provides them with clear pathways to licensure as electrical inspectors. Local government agencies and the state also benefit from a potentially broader pool of qualified candidates to fill electrical inspector roles, ensuring that municipalities and state entities can maintain safety oversight in construction and electrical maintenance.

Who Might Suffer?

The bill could be viewed as creating a higher barrier to entry for individuals who do not meet the newly clarified experience and certification requirements, potentially limiting the job pool for those who previously might have qualified under more ambiguous or informal standards. Additionally, local government agencies or employers of electrical inspectors may face increased administrative responsibilities and costs associated with ensuring that all newly hired inspectors attend and complete the newly mandated two-day Department of Labor and Licensing training program.

Vote Records

Third Reading

April 15, 2025
Yea: 38 Nay: 38 NV: 24 Absent: 0 Failed
View individual votes (100)
Legislator Party Chamber Vote
Tracy Steele Democrat House Nay
Fred Allen Democrat House Nay
Lane Jean Republican House NV
Stephen Meeks Republican House Nay
Mark Perry Democrat House Yea
Jon Eubanks Republican House Yea
Matthew Shepherd Republican House Yea
Jeff Wardlaw Republican House Nay
Bruce Cozart Republican House Nay
David Whitaker Democrat House Nay
Mike Holcomb Republican House NV
Stephen Magie Democrat House Nay
Mark McElroy Republican House NV
Richard Womack Republican House Nay
Jack Ladyman Republican House Nay
Robin Lundstrum Republican House NV
Dwight Tosh Republican House Yea
Rick Beck Republican House Yea
Mary Bentley Republican House Yea
Les Eaves Republican House NV
Justin Gonzales Republican House Nay
Julie Mayberry Republican House Nay
Ken Ferguson Democrat House NV
Ron Mcnair Republican House NV
Marcus Richmond Republican House Yea
Deann Vaught Republican House Yea
Karilyn Brown Republican House Yea
Sonia Eubanks Barker Republican House Yea
Frances Cavenaugh Republican House Nay
Jimmie Gazaway Republican House NV
Roger Lynch Republican House Yea
John Maddox Republican House Yea
Aaron Pilkington Republican House Yea
Johnny Rye Republican House Nay
Les Warren Republican House NV
Carlton Wing Republican House Yea
Austin Mccollum Republican House Yea
Carol Dalby Republican House NV
Steve Hollowell Republican House Nay
Brian Evans Republican House NV
Lee Johnson Republican House Yea
Andrew Collins Democrat House Nay
Stan Berry Republican House NV
Harlan Breaux Republican House Nay
Cameron Cooper Republican House Nay
Nicole Clowney Democrat House NV
Cindy Crawford Republican House NV
Denise Garner Democrat House NV
Tippi McCullough Democrat House Yea
Jay Richardson Democrat House Nay
Jim Wooten Republican House Nay
Denise Ennett Democrat House Nay
Richard McGrew Republican House Nay
Joy Springer Democrat House NV
Howard Beaty Republican House Yea
Tony Furman Republican House Yea
Kendon Underwood Republican House Yea
David Ray Republican House Yea
John Carr Republican House Nay
Rick McClure Republican House Yea
Keith Brooks Republican House Yea
Ashley Hudson Democrat House Nay
Jon Milligan Republican House Yea
RJ Hawk Republican House Yea
Wade Andrews Republican House Nay
Rebecca Burkes Republican House Yea
Hope Duke Republican House Nay
Zack Gramlich Republican House Yea
Mindy McAlindon Republican House Yea
Matt Duffield Republican House NV
Stetson Painter Republican House Nay
Steve Unger Republican House Yea
Wayne Long Republican House Nay
Scott Richardson Republican House Nay
Brandon Achor Republican House Yea
Jeremiah Moore Republican House Yea
Joey Carr Republican House Yea
Matt Brown Republican House Yea
Shad Pearce Republican House Nay
Chad Puryear Republican House Nay
Ryan Rose Republican House NV
Bart Schulz Republican House Nay
Trey Steimel Republican House Nay
Tara Shephard Democrat House Nay
Jeremy Wooldridge Republican House Nay
Kendra Moore Republican House NV
Brit McKenzie Republican House NV
Steven Walker Republican House Yea
Glenn Barnes Democrat House NV
Lincoln Barnett Democrat House NV
Alyssa Brown Republican House Yea
Nick Burkes Republican House Yea
Paul Childress Republican House Nay
James Eaton Republican House Nay
Brad Hall Republican House NV
Dolly Henley Republican House NV
Jessie McGruder Democrat House Yea
Jason Nazarenko Republican House Nay
Randy Torres Republican House Yea
Diana Gonzales Worthen Democrat House Nay

Third Reading

March 20, 2025
Yea: 33 Nay: 0 NV: 0 Absent: 2 Passed
View individual votes (35)
Legislator Party Chamber Vote
Jane English Republican Senate Yea
Jonathan Dismang Republican Senate Yea
Greg Leding Democrat Senate Yea
Missy Irvin Republican Senate Absent
Bryan King Republican Senate Yea
Kim Hammer Republican Senate Yea
Stephanie Flowers Democrat Senate Yea
Frederick Love Democrat Senate Yea
Terry Rice Republican Senate Yea
Reginald Murdock Democrat Senate Yea
Gary Stubblefield Republican Senate Yea
Jim Dotson Republican Senate Yea
John Payton Republican Senate Yea
Alan Clark Republican Senate Yea
Ronald Caldwell Republican Senate Yea
Bart Hester Republican Senate Yea
Jimmy Hickey Republican Senate Yea
Dan Sullivan Republican Senate Yea
David Wallace Republican Senate Yea
Blake Johnson Republican Senate Yea
Justin Boyd Republican Senate Yea
Clarke Tucker Democrat Senate Yea
Scott Flippo Republican Senate Yea
Clint Penzo Republican Senate Yea
Mark Johnson Republican Senate Yea
Ricky Hill Republican Senate Yea
Jamie Scott Democrat Senate Yea
Breanne Davis Republican Senate Yea
Ben Gilmore Republican Senate Yea
Joshua Bryant Republican Senate Yea
Matt McKee Republican Senate Yea
Jim Petty Republican Senate Yea
Steve Crowell Republican Senate Yea
Tyler Dees Republican Senate Absent
Matt Stone Republican Senate Yea
Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us