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Missouri electrical contractors have new regulations to follow with the passage of SB 240, which takes effect on August 28, 2017. The regulations pertain to their statewide licensure and include new surety bond requirements.
Missouri electrical contractors will be able to hold statewide licenses under the provisions of SB 240, meaning they could conduct business anywhere regardless of the jurisdiction’s licensing laws. The Division of Professional Registration within the Department of Insurance will handle Missouri electrical contractors’ licensure.
When applying for a license, Missouri electrical contractors must meet the following criteria detailed in SB 240:
- At least 21 years old
- Provide proof of $500,000 in liability insurance
- Post surety bonds as required by each political subdivision in the state of Missouri in which work will be performed
- Pass a standardized, nationally accredited electrical assessment examination
Would-be Missouri electrical contractors must satisfy training requirements by completing training in one of the following ways:
- 12,000 verifiable practical hours installing equipment and associated wiring
- 10,000 verifiable practical hours of installation and having received an electrical journeyman certificate from a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program
- 8,000 verifiable practical hours of installation and having received an associate’s degree from a state-accredited program
- 4,000 hours supervising installation and having received a four-year electrical engineering degree
Any Missouri electrical contractors whose license was issued before January 1, 2018, passed an electrical assessment exam to obtain the license, and have completed 12,000 verifiable hours of installation will be issued a statewide license. Statewide licenses must be renewed every three years.�Political subdivisions (e.g. cities or counties) will still have the authority to issue their own electrical contractor licenses, but must recognize statewide licenses in lieu of local licenses.
The surety bond provision of SB 240 requires that Missouri electrical contractors obtain any surety bonds required in the political subdivision where they work. For example, St. Louis county requires electrical contractors to obtain a $10,000 surety bond, so electricians working in that county must obtain that surety bond. Before working as an electrical contractor in Missouri, check with local government to be sure you stay compliant with their laws.
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