The bill would add a new section to chapter 19.28 RCW to expand the documented scope of work for HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians. It would allow those specialties to install, repair, replace, or maintain specified single-phase branch circuits and related components for ductless mini-split HVAC/refrigeration systems in oneand two-family dwellings, certain multifamily buildings, and other construction types the Department of Labor and Industries designates. The allowed work is limited to single‑phase circuits not exceeding 250 volts or 20 amps when supplied from supplemental overcurrent devices in outdoor compressor or condenser units and distribution controllers, wiring for condensate pumps when done per the manufacturer’s instructions, disconnects and associated boxes, and short runs of raceway or conduit outside or within six feet indoors. The Department of Labor and Industries is given rulemaking authority to specify the specialties’ scope of work under chapter 19.28 RCW and to designate additional construction types; the department may modify the scope so long as the specialties remain authorized to perform the work described. For the expanded allowances to apply, the mini-split equipment must be certified for use as a system by an electrical product testing laboratory accredited by the department, and manufacturers must provide wiring specifications and installation instructions for the systems. The bill was read for the first time on 01/29/25 and referred to the Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards. Legally, this is the creation of a new statutory section within chapter 19.28 RCW and is a procedural/regulatory expansion of authorized work for a licensed specialty rather than a criminal or penalty change. The extracted facts do not include a specific new RCW section number, the department’s proposed rules or designation details, accreditation criteria or the list of accredited testing laboratories, or any enforcement or penalty provisions.

If enacted, HVAC/refrigeration specialty electricians would be able to handle limited single‑phase electrical tasks for ductless mini‑split systems in one‑ and two‑family homes, certain multifamily buildings, and other construction types the Department of Labor and Industries designates. That would give builders and owners a new option to have specialty HVAC contractors complete some wiring, disconnects, short indoor raceway runs, and condensate pump connections without bringing in a separate electrical contractor, provided the equipment is certified by a department‑accredited electrical testing lab and the manufacturer supplies wiring instructions that meet the bill’s conditions. The department will need to write rules and decide which additional building types are included, so its workload and rulemaking costs will increase. Manufacturers will face added obligations to provide wiring specs and obtain certification, and accredited testing labs will have new certification work. It’s unclear from the text how the department will define the designated construction types, the accreditation criteria for testing labs, or how enforcement and limits beyond the listed conditions will be handled.