April 28, 2026 BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES - Electricians

DATE: April 28, 2026
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
PLACE: 100 South Charles Street, Tower 2
2nd floor, Hamilton Conference Room
Baltimore, MD 21201
Via Google Meet Video and Teleconference + 321-465-5183; PIN: 457 489 090#

MEMBERS PRESENT: Chet Brown, Chair, Industry Member
Donald Steinman, Industry Member
William "Eric" Smith, Industry Member
Amadou Magazi, Industry Member (Joined at 10:33)
Walter "Dave" Irvin, Vice Chair, Industry Member
Matthew Poch, Consumer Member
Lisa Carlis, Consumer Member
Andre Mellerson, Industry Member

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: Charles Marquette, Executive Director
Sloane Fried Kinstler, Assistant Attorney General
Andrew Friel, Director of Government Affairs
Leslie Lantz, Administrative Officer I

CALL TO ORDER:

After a roll call to establish a quorum, Chairman Brown called the Business Meeting of the Maryland State Board of Electricians to Order at 10:03 a.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion to approve the March 24, 2026 Business Meeting minutes was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Poch, and unanimously approved by the Board.

COMPLAINT COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Smith reported the findings of the Complaint Committee as follows:

Upon a motion by Mr. Poch, and a second by Mr. Irvin, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Complaint Committee report for April 2026.

APPLICATION REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT

Chairman Brown reported that, for the month of April, there were no applications to be reviewed.

CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Steinman reported that one Continuing Education Provider application was received for review during the reporting period. He stated that the applicant met the general requirements for approval; however, upon further review, it was noted that Mr. Mellerson is a newly appointed member of the Board.

Mr. Steinman raised a concern regarding a pending Continuing Education (“CE”) Provider application that would meet the requirements for approval, but the applicant is a currently serving Board member and asked if that presented a conflict. Counsel advised that she did not think it would be disallowed, but she advised that the applicant should consult the State Ethics Commission for an opinion on whether a Board member may serve as a CE instructor or provider while serving on the Board. Mr. Mellerson, the applicant, acknowledged the recommendation and indicated that he would contact the State Ethics Commission for further guidance.

Further discussion indicated that supplemental application materials, including course content and/or layout, had not yet been received. Staff were directed to ensure that any submitted materials are forwarded to Mr. Steinman for evaluation.

Chairman Brown inquired whether the Board should act on the application at this time. Based on the discussion and recommendation of counsel, it was determined that the application is not yet ready for Board action.

EXAM CHALLENGES COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Steinman stated that there was nothing new to report.
VOICE/DATA/VIDEO COMMITTEE REPORT
Mr. Brown stated there was nothing new to report.
REVIEW OF EXAMINATION STATISTICS AND LICENSE TOTALS
For the month of March 2026, PSI exams submitted the following statistical summary:

Ms. Lantz reported that since the inception of the exam, 9,380 candidates were tested, 2,658, passed, 6,722 failed, for a pass rate of 28%.

NEC 2026 COMMITTEE
Mr. Marquette stated the Board is awaiting information from the Maryland Uniform Electrical Licensing Examination Committee (“MUELEC”), including potential examination questions.
The Board discussed the need to establish a timeline and follow up with MUELEC to ensure timely receipt of materials. Staff will continue coordination efforts and provide updates at the next meeting.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Board reviewed correspondence submitted by Mr. Alex Artis regarding fire alarm system installation and the qualifications of licensed electricians. The correspondence raised concerns regarding the distinction between NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) and NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code), as well as the need for specialized knowledge in fire alarm systems.
During discussion, Board members noted that fire alarm system work is a specialized or niche area within the electrical industry, typically requiring additional training and familiarity with NFPA 72. Members further noted that the design, inspection, and enforcement of fire alarm systems fall under the authority of the State or local Fire Marshal.
The Board determined that the matters raised fall outside the jurisdiction of the State Board of Electricians and are more appropriately addressed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Staff will respond to Mr. Artis to acknowledge that the correspondence was reviewed and discussed by the Board.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Marquette provided an update regarding a prior request submitted by Mr. Alex Artis concerning examination data and analysis of pass rates. He stated that Mr. Artis had requested additional information, including a more detailed analysis of examination performance, potentially including demographic factors such as gender and race.
Mr. Marquette reported that the request has been shared with the Commissioner’s Office for further guidance on how best to proceed. He noted that while some data is collected through the examination process, other demographic information is not currently gathered or maintained in a manner that would allow for comprehensive analysis by the Department.
Mr. Marquette further advised that the matter is under review and will likely require additional time to evaluate available data, determine limitations, and establish an appropriate response. He indicated that the review process may extend over the course of several months before a final determination or response can be provided.
Chairman Brown acknowledged the update and requested that the matter be tracked as an ongoing agenda item to ensure continued follow-up and resolution
Mr. Marquette provided an update regarding the proposed regulation for the enforcement of the most recently released National Electrical Code (“NEC”). Additionally, he presented an update on the proposed regulation requiring an individual to hold a Journeyperson license for a minimum of three years to be eligible for the Master Electrician license examination. Mr. Marquette advised that staff are currently finalizing the regulatory language for submission to the Commissioner's office for approval. He indicated that further updates will be provided at the subsequent Board meeting.
Chairman Brown inquired about the status of distributing the January 23, 2023 meeting minutes to the NEC Committee. Staff confirmed the minutes will be circulated.
NEW BUSINESS

Potential Reciprocal Licensing with Texas
Mr. Marquette advised the Board that Texas has requested consideration of a reciprocal licensing agreement for Journeyperson electrician licensing. Staff advised that the Texas licensing authority had initiated the inquiry; however, limited detail was provided regarding the scope or intent of the request.
Board members discussed the general practice of entering into reciprocal licensing agreements, noting that such agreements are typically established with neighboring states, though there is no prohibition against agreements with non-adjoining states. Counsel advised that any reciprocity agreement must be based on a determination that the other state’s licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to those of Maryland and that the other state with reciprocally license Maryland licensees.
The Board further discussed potential industry drivers for the request, including the increased presence of out-of-state contractors working on large-scale projects such as solar installations and data centers. Concerns were raised regarding ensuring that individuals working within the State meet Maryland’s licensing standards and qualifications.
Board members expressed general support for exploring reciprocity, provided that Texas licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to those of Maryland. It was also noted that, if necessary, reciprocity agreements may include conditions to address any differences in experience or examination requirements, consistent with prior agreements established by the Board.
Chairman Brown directed staff to obtain detailed information regarding Texas licensing qualifications for comparison with Maryland requirements. Staff will present findings to the Board for further review.
Introduction of Director of Government Affairs
Mr. Marquette introduced Mr. Andrew Friel, Director of Government Affairs, to the Board. Mr. Friel provided an overview of his role, including coordination of Board appointments and oversight of the regulatory process. He outlined the process for advancing regulatory proposals, including internal review, submission to the Secretary’s Office, public comment, and final approval.
Mr. Friel also advised that he is actively recruiting a qualified master electrician to fill a vacant Board position representing Southern Maryland.
Mr. Marquette provided additional information regarding the regulatory and legislative process, noting that the procedures outlined by Mr. Friel relate to the adoption and amendment of regulations under COMAR. He advised that the Board is entering the planning period for the 2027 legislative session and that this is the appropriate time to begin identifying potential legislative or regulatory changes. Mr. Marquette encouraged Board members to submit proposed concepts for consideration, noting that such proposals are typically developed over the summer and finalized later in the year for submission through the Department of Labor.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Marquette reported that a MUELEC meeting has been scheduled for mid-May. He advised that staff would use this opportunity to continue strengthening communication and coordination with local jurisdictions.

Mr. Marquette noted that ongoing efforts include gathering information regarding local code adoption, ensuring that individuals registered at the local level are properly licensed by the State, and identifying challenges faced by jurisdictions in maintaining current standards. He further stated that, while the Board does not have authority to mandate code adoption at the local level, efforts will be made to encourage consistency and alignment with current electrical codes statewide.
Board members were invited to attend the meeting, with a request that staff be notified in advance to ensure compliance with public notice requirements if a quorum is expected.

COUNSEL’S REPORT

Counsel provided an overview of the exceptions hearing process for the benefit of Board members. She explained that an exceptions hearing may be requested following a decision issued by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) after a hearing at the Office of Administrative Hearings. Counsel advised that the Board is bound by the ALJ’s findings of fact if supported by substantial evidence but may independently evaluate legal conclusions and determine appropriate sanctions, if any.

Counsel further explained that exceptions hearings are conducted on the existing record, with no new evidence or testimony presented, and that the respondent bears the burden of demonstrating why the Board’s proposed order should be modified.

Counsel also advised that the hearing is open to the public; however, Board deliberations will occur in closed session.

CHAIR’S REPORT

Chairman Brown did not offer a report.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Nothing was offered.

CLOSED SESSION

Upon a motion by Mr. Steinman seconded by Mr. Irvin, and unanimously carried, the State Board of
Electricians voted to convene in closed session at 11:04 a.m. The Board is permitted to meet in closed session pursuant to Md. Ann. Code, Gen. Prov. Art. §3-305(b)(2), and (7), and (8) of the Gen. Prov. Art., Md. Ann. Code, to protect the privacy and reputation of a licensee or an applicant and to obtain advice provided by Counsel

Application .01
Counsel presented an application for an original apprentice electrician license. Between 2002 and 2018, the applicant was convicted of multiple offenses in Virgina, all classified as nonviolent.

In 2018, the applicant was convicted for a second-degree sex offense, a violent felony, and sentenced to incarceration for 20 years, 10 years suspended, followed by probation for five years. The applicant was released from incarceration on January 8, 2025 with a probation order to serve 18 months. In addition, they must register as a Tier II sex offender, a 25-year obligation starting from release, until 2050.

The applicant submitted a personal statement, in which they expressed remorse for their actions that led to
the convictions. The applicant also submitted a compliance letter from a probation agent and a letter
from a current employer.

Board members discussed with Counsel and staff several questions regarding the applicant, application,
and criminal process.

Mr. Smith moved to approve the applicant’s application for an original apprentice license. The motion was seconded by Mr. Steinman and unanimously approved by the Board.

The Board reconvened the business meeting at 11:29 a.m. after motion by Mr. Smith, a second by Mr. Irvin and unanimous approval by the Board.

A Motion to accept the findings of April 28, 2026 Closed Session was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Irvin, and unanimously approved by the Board.

ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Smith moved to adjourn the business meeting; Mr. Steinman seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by the Board at 11:32 a.m.

_________________________________ ______________
Charles Marquette, Executive Director Date
Mechanical Boards

As voted and approved by the Board on: _________