Transfers authority over the examination and licensing of telecommunications professionals to the state board of examiners of electricians and amends the composition of that body to require the inclusion of a telecommunications professional.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would move the responsibility for testing and licensing telecommunications professionals in Rhode Island from wherever that authority currently resides to the State Board of Examiners of Electricians. In other words, the same government body that oversees licensing for electricians would also take on oversight of telecommunications workers — such as those who install, maintain, or work with phone, cable, and data communication systems.

To reflect this expanded role, the bill would also change the makeup of the Board of Examiners of Electricians to require that at least one member of the board be a telecommunications professional. This ensures that someone with direct knowledge and experience in the telecommunications field has a seat at the table when decisions are made about licensing requirements and exams for that industry.

This bill primarily affects telecommunications professionals who work in Rhode Island and need a state license to do their jobs, as well as the State Board of Examiners of Electricians, which would gain new responsibilities. Businesses that employ telecommunications workers could also be affected, since the licensing process they must navigate would be handled by a different authority.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Labor Committee, which recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward in the legislative process.