HB 2523 Summary

• Establishes licensing requirements for journey worker electric utility linemen, effective January 1, 2027, requiring at least 3.5 years (7,000 hours) of supervised experience and 432 hours of electrical academic coursework.

• Expands the Board of Electricians and Plumbers from seven to nine members by adding two members engaged in electric utility work.

• Requires electric utility linemen to renew licenses every three years and complete continuing education in the National Electrical Safety Code and related standards.

• Allows individuals actively employed as journey worker electric utility linemen by an electric utility in Hawaii for a minimum of six months before January 1, 2027, to be deemed qualified for licensing without meeting other requirements.

• Repeals the sunset provision that would have eliminated the existing exemption from electrician licensing requirements for utility contractors, making the new licensing regime permanent.