Wash. Rev. Code » Title 19 · Chapter 19.28
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 19.28.271 (2026)

Violations of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271—Schedule of penalties—Appeal

✓ current as of May 2026
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*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6039-S.SL) ***
(1) It is unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity to employ an individual for purposes of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 who has not been issued a certificate of competency, a temporary permit, or a training certificate. It is unlawful for any individual to engage in the electrical construction trade or to maintain or install any electrical equipment or conductors without having in his or her possession a certificate of competency, a temporary permit, or a training certificate under RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271, and photo identification. The department may establish by rule a requirement that the individual also wear and visibly display his or her certificate or permit.
(2) Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity found in violation of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall be assessed a penalty of not less than fifty dollars or more than five hundred dollars. The department shall set by rule a schedule of penalties for violating RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271. An appeal may be made to the board as is provided in RCW 19.28.131. The appeal shall be filed within twenty days after the notice of the penalty is given to the assessed party using a method by which the mailing can be tracked or the delivery can be confirmed, sent to the last known address of the assessed party and shall be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the department. Any equipment maintained or installed by any person who does not possess a certificate of competency under RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 shall not receive an electrical work permit and electrical service shall not be connected or maintained to operate the equipment. Each day that a person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity violates RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 is a separate violation.
(3) A civil penalty shall be collected in a civil action brought by the attorney general in the county wherein the alleged violation arose at the request of the department if any of RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 or any rules adopted under RCW 19.28.161 through 19.28.271 are violated.
[ 2011 c 301 s 7; 2009 c 36 s 6; 2001 c 211 s 20; 1996 c 147 s 9; 1988 c 81 s 16; 1986 c 156 s 17; 1983 c 206 s 22; 1980 c 30 s 13. Formerly RCW 19.28.620.]

Notes:

Finding—Intent—2009 c 36: See note following RCW 18.106.020.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 2014–2024 · leading case: Hired Hands, Llc v. Dept Of L & I, State Of Wa (Wash. Ct. App. 2020).
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Hired Hands, Llc v. Dept Of L & I, State Of Wa (Wash. Ct. App. 2020). · cites it 2× “Pursuant to those findings, the legislature amended RCW 19.28.271 to give the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) the power to require electricians to wear a visible certification badge.”
Marysville Taping Co. v. Dep't Of Labor & Indus. (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). · cites it 2× “69735-8-1/2 electric current without a valid license; RCW 19.28.271, employing an individual for electrical work who is not certified to do such work; and RCW 19.”
Henry Schein, Inc., V. Dept. Of L & I, State Of Wa (Wash. Ct. App. 2024). “041, and RCW 19.28.271, respectively. 4 No. 86858-6-I/5 Judge entered an initial order in which he concluded that Stalford, on behalf of Schein, had performed electrical work when he installed a line voltage whip from the power disconnect to the VacStar system and, therefore,…”
Dept. Of Labor & Indus., V. Potelco, Inc.:jeff Lampman & Brett Mongomery (Wash. Ct. App. 2024). “Potelco was cited for employing an individual to perform electrical work for which he was not licensed, a violation of RCW 19.28.271. Lampman was cited for failing as an administrator to ensure all the electrical work performed by Potelco followed the law, a violation of RCW 19.”
Wash. Rev. Code § 19.28.271(1): 1 case
Hired Hands, Llc v. Dept Of L & I, State Of Wa (Wash. Ct. App. 2020). “Pursuant to those findings, the legislature amended RCW 19.28.271 to give the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) the power to require electricians to wear a visible certification badge.”
Wash. Rev. Code § 19.28.271(2): 1 case
Marysville Taping Co. v. Dep't Of Labor & Indus. (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “69735-8-1/2 electric current without a valid license; RCW 19.28.271, employing an individual for electrical work who is not certified to do such work; and RCW 19.”
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