MT HB497

Expands qualifying pathways for journeyman and residential electrician licenses to include completion of a "substantially equivalent program" in addition to approved apprenticeship programs under Title 39, chapter 6

Removes completion of union or trade association training programs as a standalone qualifying pathway for both journeyman and residential electrician licenses

Adds statutory definition of "legally obtained practical experience" as experience obtained in accordance with applicable jurisdictional laws, explicitly excluding experience from incomplete apprenticeships

Maintains existing alternative qualification pathways: 8,000 hours of practical experience for journeyman (4,000 for residential), or 20,000 hours in electrical maintenance with employer certification

Effective immediately upon passage and approval