Each county shall:
adopt regulations that have qualifications that are at least as stringent as the qualifications under § 6–304 of this subtitle, to provide for the regulation and registration of master electricians, journeyperson electricians, or apprentice electricians; and
register apprentice electricians, journeyperson electricians, or master electricians in the manner prescribed under § 6–103 of this title; or
except as provided in §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, require a State license for providing electrical services as a master electrician, journeyperson electrician, or apprentice electrician; and
enforce the provisions of this title.
Each municipal corporation shall:
adopt regulations that have qualifications that are at least as stringent as the qualifications under § 6–304 of this subtitle to provide for the regulation and registration of apprentice, journeyperson, or master electricians; and
register apprentice electrician, journeyperson electrician, or master electrician registrations in the manner prescribed under § 6–103 of this title;
adopt the electrical rules and regulations of the county in which the municipal corporation is located; or
except as provided in §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, require a State license for providing electrical services as an apprentice, journeyperson, or master electrician; and
enforce the provisions of this title.
Each licensed or registered master electrician shall display the State license number, the county registration number, or the municipal corporation registration number on each vehicle used on the job for providing electrical services.
A county or municipal corporation may not adopt a resolution or enact a law that requires a person licensed or registered under this subtitle who is compliant with subsection (c) of this section to display additional license or registration numbers on each vehicle used on the job for providing electrical services.
In a local jurisdiction that requires local registration and has qualified to register electricians locally under § 6–103 of this title, the State license, while the State license is in effect, serves only as a mechanism that helps a licensee in obtaining a local registration under §§ 6–601 and 6–602 of this title.
If a county or municipal corporation does not require local registration, the State license, while the State license is in effect, authorizes the licensee to:
provide electrical services; or
be the representative of another person who engages in the business of providing electrical services.
This subtitle does not require:
a public utility company to employ an electrician licensed by the State Board to represent the company while the company is engaging in the business of providing electrical services to a facility of the company that:
is regulated by the Public Service Commission; and
is located on any premises, roadway, or right–of–way in which the company has a lawful interest;
an employee of a public utility company to hold a State license while the employee provides electrical services to a facility of the company that:
is regulated by the Public Service Commission; and
is located on any premises, roadway, or right–of–way in which the company has a lawful interest; or
a person to hold a license issued by the State Board if the person:
is licensed or registered under Title 18 of this article to provide security system services and is acting within the scope of that license;
holds a license issued under Title 12 of this article and is acting within the scope of that license;
holds a license issued under Title 9A of the Business Regulation Article and is acting within the scope of that license;
provides wireless security systems in compliance with Title 19, Subtitle 9 of the Business Regulation Article; or
is authorized to provide electric services in the State under §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article.
To qualify for a State license, an applicant shall meet the requirements of this section.
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an applicant for a master electrician license shall have been engaged or employed regularly and principally in providing electrical services for all types of electrical equipment and apparatuses for at least 7 years while under the direction and supervision of:
a master electrician; or
a similarly qualified employee of a governmental unit.
The State Board may allow an applicant up to 3 years of credit toward the experience required under paragraph (1) of this subsection, if the State Board determines that the applicant has completed a formal course of study or professional training in electrical installation comparable to the required experience.
The State Board shall credit toward the experience required under paragraph (1) of this subsection an applicant’s work as part of a successfully completed electrician apprenticeship program approved by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning or the federal Office of Apprenticeship.
Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an applicant for a journeyperson electrician license shall have been engaged or employed regularly and principally in providing electrical services for all types of electrical equipment and apparatuses for at least 4 years while under the direction and supervision of:
a master electrician; or
an employee of a governmental unit who is similarly qualified as a master electrician licensed under this title.
The State Board shall credit toward the experience required under paragraph (1) of this subsection an applicant’s work as part of a successfully completed electrician apprenticeship program approved by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning or the federal Office of Apprenticeship.
Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the applicant shall pass an examination given by the State Board under this subtitle.
The State Board may investigate the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements of this section.
An applicant for a State license shall:
submit to the State Board an application on the form that the State Board provides; and
pay to the State Board an application fee set by the State Board in an amount not to exceed the cost of the required examination.
Except as otherwise provided in § 6–306.1 of this subtitle, an applicant who otherwise qualifies for a State license is entitled to be examined as provided in this section.
The State Board shall give examinations to qualified applicants at least twice a year, at the dates, times, and places that the State Board determines.
At least 15 days before the examination, the State Board shall notify each applicant whether the applicant is eligible to be examined under this section.
The notice shall specify the passing score for examinations given under this subtitle.
The State Board shall determine the subjects, scope, and, subject to subsection (e) of this section, form of the examination from a list of questions submitted by the Maryland Uniform Electrical Licensing Examination Committee, Inc.
The State Board shall choose examination questions that:
test the applicant’s knowledge of all applicable codes, laws, or principles of electrical installation; and
are constructed to determine the fitness of the applicant for a State license.
The State Board may appoint a committee to develop examination questions for examinations given under this subtitle.
The form of each examination shall be objective and written.
The passing score for each examination shall be 70%.
An applicant shall pay to the State Board or the State Board’s designee an examination fee set by the State Board not to exceed the cost of the required examination.
Within 45 days after the examination, the State Board shall mail or electronically transmit to each applicant notice of the applicant’s examination score.
On written request to the State Board, an applicant who failed an examination may review the answers that the applicant gave and the scores for those answers, at a time and place that the State Board determines.
If an applicant fails to appear for a scheduled examination, the applicant may reapply for an examination.
The applicant:
shall submit to the State Board an application for reexamination on the form that the State Board provides; and
unless, for good cause, the State Board waives payment of the examination fee, shall again pay the examination fee under subsection (g) of this section.
The State Board may use a testing service to administer the examinations given under this title.
If the State Board uses a testing service, the testing service, subject to the requirements set by the State Board, may:
set the time and place of examinations;
give qualified applicants notice of the time and place of examinations; and
furnish any other information that the State Board may require the testing service to provide.
Subject to the limitations in this section, the State Board shall waive examination requirements of this title for an individual who holds an active local registration.
The State Board shall grant a waiver under this section only if the applicant:
pays the application fee established by the State Board under § 6–305 of this subtitle;
provides adequate evidence that the applicant:
meets the qualifications otherwise required by this subtitle; and
was licensed in a local jurisdiction before December 31, 2022, after:
passing, in that local jurisdiction, an examination that is equivalent to the examination for which the applicant is seeking the waiver; and
meeting, in that local jurisdiction, requirements that are equivalent to the licensing requirements of this title; and
submits a statement from the local jurisdiction certifying:
the applicant is in good standing with the local jurisdiction;
the applicant obtained the local license by taking an examination equivalent to any examination given by the State Board; and
the date of the local examination.
An initial State license that is obtained under this section may not be reinstated unless the requirements of § 6–312 of this subtitle are met.
The State Board shall waive the experience and examination requirements for an applicant for a journeyperson electrician license if the applicant:
provides written proof of 4 years of work experience providing electrical services under the control and direction of a master electrician; and
submits an application for a license to the State Board on or before December 31, 2022; or
provides written proof that the applicant has successfully completed an electrician apprenticeship program approved by the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning or the federal Office of Apprenticeship that consists of:
at least 576 classroom hours; and
8,000 hours of work experience.
Subject to the limitations in this section, on the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the authorized membership of the State Board, the State Board may waive the examination requirements of this subtitle for an individual who is licensed to provide electrical services as a master electrician or journeyperson electrician in another state.
The State Board may grant a waiver under this section only if the applicant:
pays the appropriate application fee set by the State Board under § 6–305 of this subtitle; and
provides adequate evidence that the applicant:
meets the qualifications otherwise required by this title;
holds an active license in good standing in the other state;
holds a license that is equivalent to the license issued by the State Board;
for a master electrician license applicant, meets a 7–year experience requirement in providing electrical services, at least 4 years of which must have been gained prior to licensure in the other state, while under the supervision of a master electrician or similarly qualified employee of a governmental unit;
for a journeyperson electrician license applicant, meets a 4–year experience requirement in providing electrical services, at least 2 years of which must have been gained prior to licensure in the other state, while under the supervision of a master electrician or similarly qualified employee of a governmental unit; and
was licensed in the other state by examination, after meeting requirements in that state that are substantially equivalent to the licensing requirements of this State.
The State Board may grant a waiver only if the state in which the applicant is licensed waives the examination of licensees of this State to a similar extent as this State waives the examination requirements for individuals licensed in that state.
The State Board may not grant a waiver under this section to an applicant who is licensed solely in a country other than the United States.
The State Board shall pursue a policy of reciprocal recognition of electrician licenses awarded in other states.
If an applicant qualifies for a State license under this subtitle, the State Board shall send the applicant a notice that states that:
the applicant has qualified for a State license; and
the State Board will issue a State license to the applicant on receipt of:
a license fee set by the State Board; and
proof of general liability and property damage insurance as required under § 6–604 of this title.
If, at the time of application, an applicant intends to assign to another person a local license that is obtained by use of a State license, the applicant shall identify on the application the person to whom the applicant is assigning the local license.
On payment of the State license fee and receipt of the proof of insurance required under § 6–604 of this title, the State Board shall issue a State license to each applicant who meets the requirements of this title.
The State Board shall include on each State license that the State Board issues:
the name of the licensee; and
if the licensee assigns a local license to another person who engages in the business of providing electrical services, the name of the person.
Unless a State license is renewed for a 2–year term as provided in this section, the State license expires on the first June 30 that comes:
after the effective date of the State license; and
in an odd–numbered year.
At least 1 month before a State license expires, the State Board shall mail or electronically transmit to the State licensee:
a renewal application form; and
a notice that states:
the date on which the current State license expires; and
the amount of the renewal fee.
If an electronic transmission under paragraph (1) of this subsection is returned to the State Board as undeliverable, the State Board shall mail to the State licensee, at the last known address of the State licensee, the materials required under paragraph (1) of this subsection within 10 business days of the date the State Board received the notice that the electronic transmission was undeliverable.
Before a State license expires, the State licensee periodically may renew it for an additional 2–year term, if the State licensee:
otherwise is entitled to be licensed;
pays to the State Board a renewal fee set by the State Board;
complies with continuing education requirements established by the State Board in regulation; and
submits to the State Board a renewal application on the form that the State Board provides and adequate evidence of completion of the continuing education requirements for license renewal established by the State Board.
The State Board shall renew the State license of each State licensee who meets the requirements of this section.
A State license to provide or assist in providing electrical services is not transferable.
The Secretary may determine that State licenses issued under this subtitle shall expire on a staggered basis.
The State Board shall place a State licensee on uninsured status and issue an uninsured status certificate to the State licensee, if the State licensee:
submits to the State Board an application for uninsured status on the form that the State Board provides;
pays to the State Board any applicable uninsured status application fee;
except for the insurance requirements of § 6–604 of this title, qualifies for an active State license; and
returns the State license to the State Board.
The State Board shall place an applicant for an initial State license on uninsured status and issue an uninsured status certificate to the applicant, if the applicant:
submits to the State Board an application for uninsured status on the form that the State Board provides;
pays to the State Board an uninsured status application fee set by the State Board; and
except for meeting the continuing education requirement established by the State Board under § 6–310(c) of this subtitle and the insurance requirements of § 6–604 of this title, qualifies for an active State license.
A master electrician licensee on uninsured status may not use a State license to obtain a local registration for providing electrical services as a master electrician in a local jurisdiction of the State.
In a county that requires a State master electrician license, a licensee on uninsured status may only provide electrical services as a journeyperson electrician.
Unless the individual applies for another 2–year term as provided in this subsection, an individual on uninsured status loses that status on the expiration of the uninsured status.
At least 1 month before the uninsured status of an individual expires, the State Board shall mail or electronically transmit to the individual:
a renewal application form; and
a notice that states:
the date on which the uninsured status expires; and
the amount of the renewal fee.
If an electronic transmission under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph is returned to the State Board as undeliverable, the State Board shall mail to the individual, at the last known address of the individual, the materials required under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph within 10 business days of the date the State Board received the notice that the electronic transmission was undeliverable.
Before the uninsured status expires, an individual on uninsured status periodically may renew it for an additional 2–year term, if the individual:
otherwise is entitled to be placed on uninsured status;
except for an electrical inspector, pays to the State Board a renewal fee set by the State Board;
submits to the State Board a renewal application on the form that the State Board provides; and
meets the continuing education requirements established by the State Board under § 6–310(c) of this subtitle.
After an uninsured status expires, the former licensee may reapply for uninsured status only if the former licensee:
otherwise is entitled to be placed on uninsured status;
pays to the State Board a reapplication fee set by the State Board; and
reapplies to the State Board for uninsured status within 2 years after initial expiration of uninsured status on a form that the State Board provides.
The State Board shall renew the uninsured status of each individual or grant the reapplication for uninsured status of each former licensee who meets the requirements of this subsection.
If an individual who was formerly on uninsured status who has failed to renew the uninsured status within 2 years of its expiration reapplies for that status, the State Board shall require the individual to comply with the requirements for obtaining a State license under §§ 6–304 and 6–307 of this subtitle and § 6–503 of this title as well as the requirements for uninsured status under this section.
The State Board shall reactivate the State license of an individual who is on uninsured status, if the individual:
meets the renewal requirements that are in effect when the individual requests the reactivation of the State license;
submits to the State Board an application for reactivation on the form that the State Board provides; and
pays to the State Board a reactivation fee set by the State Board.
The State Board shall reinstate the State license of an individual who is not on uninsured status and who has failed to renew the State license for any reason, if the individual:
applies to the State Board for reinstatement within 2 years after the State license expires;
meets the renewal requirements of § 6–310 of this subtitle; and
in addition to the renewal fee required under § 6–310 of this subtitle, pays to the State Board a reinstatement fee set by the State Board.
If an individual who has failed to renew the State license for any reason applies for reinstatement more than 2 years after the State license has expired, the State Board shall require the individual to pay a reinstatement fee set by the State Board, and comply with the requirements for obtaining a State license under §§ 6–304 and 6–307 of this subtitle and § 6–503 of this title.
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a county or local government may employ an individual as an electrical inspector only if the individual:
holds a State license or local license, as applicable;
previously held, within the last 5 years, a State license or local license, as applicable, that was not suspended or revoked; or
is certified by:
the International Code Council as a combination inspector or as an electrical inspector for residential or commercial buildings;
the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners; or
a certifying entity that is comparable to the entity listed in item 1 or 2 of this item.
Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to a county or local government that uses code inspectors or combination building code inspectors to conduct trade–specific inspections on residential or commercial buildings to determine compliance with adopted electrical codes or related building codes.
An individual may not have any financial interest in any electrical business while employed by the State, a county, or a local government as an electrical inspector.
On appointment or employment as an electrical inspector, the individual:
shall place the State license of the individual on uninsured status; and
except for the renewal fee, shall meet the uninsured status requirements of § 6–311 of this subtitle.
The State Board may issue an electrical inspector identification card to an electrical inspector who has placed the State license on uninsured status.
The State Board may not charge a fee to issue the identification card.
The State Board may change the status of an electrical inspector to individual uninsured status, if the electrical inspector:
meets the uninsured status requirements of § 6–311 of this subtitle; and
pays an uninsured status fee set by the State Board.
On termination of the appointment or employment of an individual as an electrical inspector, the State Board shall reactivate the State license of the individual who is on uninsured status, without examination, if the individual meets the reactivation requirements for a State license under § 6–311(f) of this subtitle, including payment of the reactivation fee.
Within 10 days after the change, each State licensee shall give the State Board written notice of a change of:
the name of the State licensee;
the address of:
the State licensee; or
the person to whom the State licensee assigns a local license; or
the employment of the State licensee, including a change in the assignment of a local license.
The State Board may investigate or act in a disciplinary proceeding against a licensee notwithstanding:
a lapse, by operation of law, of the State license of the licensee;
a suspension of the State license of the licensee by order of the State Board or a court; or
a voluntary surrender of the State license of the licensee to the State Board.
Subject to the hearing provisions of § 6–317 of this subtitle, the State Board may deny a State license to any applicant, reprimand any State licensee, or suspend or revoke a State license if the applicant or State licensee:
fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a State license for the applicant, State licensee, or another person;
fraudulently or deceptively uses a State license;
transfers the authority granted by a State license to another person;
engages in an unfair or deceptive trade practice, as defined in § 13–301 of the Commercial Law Article;
willfully or deliberately disregards and violates a building code, electrical code, or law of the State or a local jurisdiction;
under the laws of the United States or of any state, is convicted of:
a felony; or
a misdemeanor that is directly related to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or licensee to provide electrical services;
aids or abets a person to evade a provision of this title;
willfully or deliberately disregards disciplinary action taken by a local jurisdiction against the individual in connection with the provision of electrical services;
fails in a material respect to comply with a provision of this title;
fails to train and control adequately a person who, while under the supervision of the State licensee, sells or estimates electrical work or provides or assists in providing electrical services;
fails to maintain a local registration, if required, under § 6–601 of this title;
fails to maintain the general liability and property damage insurance required under § 6–604 of this title;
offers or provides electrical services outside the scope of the license held by the licensee;
permits another licensee employed by the individual to provide electrical services outside the scope of that individual’s license;
without justification, fails to perform a contract or abandons a project to provide electrical services;
provides electrical services that are inadequate or incomplete, according to the terms of a contract or a project;
directly or indirectly publishes an advertisement relating to the provision of electrical services that contains a representation or statement that is false, deceptive, or misleading;
certifies on a license renewal application that the continuing education requirement of license renewal has been completed if the licensee has not fully completed the continuing education requirement at the time the license renewal application is submitted;
violates any other provision of this title; or
violates any regulation adopted under this title.
Instead of or in addition to reprimanding a licensee or suspending or revoking a license under this subsection, the Board may impose a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation.
To determine the amount of the penalty imposed under this subsection, the Board shall consider:
the seriousness of the violation;
the harm caused by the violation;
the good faith of the licensee; and
any history of previous violations by the licensee.
The Board shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.
Allowing a State license to be used by another person is, in a disciplinary proceeding under this section, prima facie evidence that a State licensee transferred the authority granted by a State license to another person.
The State Board shall consider the following facts in the granting, denial, renewal, suspension, or revocation of a State license or the reprimand of a State licensee when an applicant or State licensee is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor described in subsection (a)(1)(vi) of this section:
the nature of the crime;
the relationship of the crime to the activities authorized by the State license;
with respect to a felony, the relevance of the conviction to the fitness and qualification of the applicant or State licensee to provide electrical services;
the length of time since the conviction; and
the behavior and activities of the applicant or State licensee before and after the conviction.
This section may not be construed to limit the ability of a local board to take disciplinary action against the holder of a local registration or the holder of a local permit in that jurisdiction under § 6–103 of this title.
Except as otherwise provided in § 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the State Board takes any final action under § 6-316 of this subtitle, it shall give the individual against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the State Board.
The State Board shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
If, after due notice, the individual against whom the action is contemplated fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the State Board may hear and determine the matter.
Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the State Board in a contested case, as defined in § 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in §§ 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article.
The State Board may not suspend a State license for more than 1 year.
The State Board may not revoke a State license for less than 1 year.
If the State Board, after a hearing, suspends a license, the State Board may allow the licensee to complete a contract to provide electrical services that is in progress and uncompleted at the time of suspension.
If a State license is revoked, the State Board may reinstate the State license after not less than 1 year.
A State license that has been revoked may be reinstated under this subsection if:
the individual whose State license has been revoked submits a written request to the State Board;
the State Board holds a hearing on the request; and
the State Board makes a determination to reinstate the State license.
Within 30 days after taking action, the State Board shall give each local board or building official notice of the name of each master electrician whose State license has been suspended, revoked, or reinstated by the State Board.
When a county or municipal corporation that requires a local license initiates a disciplinary action against a licensed master electrician, the county or municipal corporation shall report the disciplinary action to the State Board within 30 days of commencement of the action.
When the State Board receives notice of a local disciplinary action against a licensed electrician, the State Board shall provide notice of the disciplinary action to each local licensing jurisdiction.
Each local jurisdiction that registers electricians under § 6–603 of this title shall submit a report to the State Board on the number of complaints against electricians registered in the local jurisdiction on or before December 1 of each year.