SB 87 Summary

• The division shall establish a lumber grading training program offered at least once annually to train mill operators to grade lumber, with the division prescribing program content, instructor qualifications, and completion requirements.

• Lumber grading certificates expire five years after issuance; individuals may obtain initial certificates without completing the training program if they hold current American Lumber Standard Committee accreditation or possess a bachelor's/postgraduate degree in forest products or wood science and technology.

• Load-bearing dimensional lumber graded and certified under this program may be used in one-, two-, and three-family dwellings if milled to meet or exceed applicable local building codes and accompanied by written certification from the certificate holder on a division-prescribed form.

• Certified lumber may only be used if the certificate holder sells directly to a building contractor, dwelling owner, or owner's representative; local building inspectors retain authority to approve, reject, or conditionally approve lumber use with additional construction requirements.

• The Act takes effect immediately.