Moeller’s bill for consumers, honest
tradespeople clears Senate, heads to governor

Vancouver lawmaker’s three-year endeavor pays off: ‘Everyone’s a winner’

April 1, 2009

OLYMPIA – We’ve all heard the old proverb “You get what you pay for.” And no doubt we’re all very familiar with the trusty maxim “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” State Rep. Jim Moeller has spent the past three years striving to employ those two good bits of advice in putting the kibosh on bogus electricians, plumbers and other unqualified tradespeople.

This week here in the state capital, the Vancouver Democrat triumphed. The Senate passed, 33-15, and sent to the governor’s desk Moeller’s House Bill 1055 securing stronger protection both for consumers who want to hire qualified workers and for aboveboard contractors who don’t want to hire unqualified workers.

“Tradespeople must keep their licenses and certificates with them whenever they’re on the job,” Moeller explained of the terms of his measure. “These subcontractors would need to show their paperwork if a homeowner asks to see it.”

Moeller’s proposal didn’t clear legislative hurdles in the past few years, but he hit the ground running with it in this year’s legislative meeting.

As it stands now, state law requires subcontractors in the building trades to obtain the appropriate licenses and certificates of competency and qualification. People who ignore the current law, as well as contractors and others who hire them, can face civil penalties.

“The goal in this new law is simply to stop the dishonest, dangerous underground construction industry – particularly the deceitful hiring of unlicensed and uncertified tradespeople,” Moeller explained. “All we want is for these folks to possess evidence that they do indeed hold the right credentials and the right certification for the job.

“This bill will help deal with the underground economy. By permitting, rather than requiring, photo identification on licenses and certificates,” Moeller said, “it is mindful of the current economic situation. It allows the Department of Labor & Industries to phase in photo identification. This legislation is good for the industry and it’s good for consumers. Everyone’s a winner.”

Moeller also pointed out that underground contracting isn’t just a threat to consumer safety and peace of mind. It also gives bad-apple contractors an unfair business advantage over contractors who conduct their operations the right way.