HB 385 Summary

• Creates an Elevator Section within the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board consisting of five members (one superintendent designee, one elevator mechanic, one union representative, and two elevator contractor representatives) with primary responsibility for licensing elevator contractors and elevator mechanics.

• Requires elevator contractors and elevator mechanics to obtain licenses from the board; allows temporary emergency licenses for elevator mechanics during declared states of emergency when insufficient licensed mechanics exist.

• Restricts elevator licensing requirements to nonresidential elevators and buildings; maintains existing inspection and certification standards for nonresidential elevators under the division of industrial compliance.

• Establishes qualification requirements for elevator mechanic licensure including three years of industry experience, completion of approved training programs, or registered apprenticeships; elevator contractors must maintain liability insurance and comply with workers' compensation requirements.

• Allows an eighteen-month transition period for existing elevator mechanics and contractors to obtain licenses without examination if they meet specified experience requirements; prohibits unlicensed persons from acting as elevator contractors or mechanics after the transition period ends.