Texas Senate Bill SB470

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/19/09
• Voted on by Senate: 3/25/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/6/09
• Voted on by House: 5/19/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to training and continuing education for licensed electrical apprentices.

Impact

The bill modifies the current requirements for renewing an electrical apprentice license. License holders not enrolled in an apprenticeship program will now be required to complete four hours of continuing education annually, focusing on safety, the National Electrical Code, and state laws relevant to their profession. This requirement aims to ensure that electrical apprentices are kept abreast of the latest safety practices and regulatory obligations, directly impacting their licensure renewal process.

Summary

Senate Bill 470 aims to enhance the training and continuing education requirements for licensed electrical apprentices in Texas. It introduces a definition for 'apprenticeship training program,' which will include both technical classroom instruction and structured on-the-job training recognized by the Texas Workforce Commission or the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This change is intended to create a more standardized framework for training apprentices in electrical work, ensuring they receive practical and theoretical grounding necessary for the trade.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB470 is the impact this will have on apprentices who may not have previously been required to engage in continuing education for license renewal. While supporters argue that such requirements are critical for maintaining safety standards within the electrical industry, opponents may express concerns about the burden these additional educational demands could place on apprentices, particularly those who are already balancing work and training schedules. This debate reflects broader discussions about occupational licensing and regulatory requirements within skilled trades.