August 25, 2026 BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES - Electricians

TIME:             10:00 a.m.
PLACE:          100 South Charles Street, Tower 1
Suite 3300
Baltimore, MD  21201
Via Google Meet Video and Teleconference + 321-465-5183; PIN: 457 489 090#

MEMBERS PRESENT:        Chet Brown, Chair, Industry Member
Andre Mellerson, Industry Member      
Walter "Dave" Irvin, Vice Chair, Industry Member
Lisa Carlis, Consumer Member
Angel Maria Savoy, Industry Member
William "Eric" Smith, Industry Member

MEMBERS ABSENT:          
Matthew Poch, Industry Member
Amadou Magazi, Industry Member

STAFF PRESENT:                Charles Marquette, Executive Director
Sloane Fried Kinstler, Assistant Attorney General
John Dove, Commissioner, Occupational and Professional Licensing
Aajah Harris, Director of Government Affairs
Andrew Friel, Director of Government Affairs
Leslie Lantz, Administrative Officer I

OTHERS PRESENT:            Frank Tyler, Member of the Public     
Ryan Hogan, Member of the Public

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 10:04 a.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A motion to approve the July 28, 2026 Business Meeting minutes was made by Mr. Irvin, seconded by Ms. Carlis, and the Board Members present voted unanimously to approve the Motion.

COMPLAINT COMMITTEE REPORT

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

Upon a motion by Mr. Irvin, and a second by Mr. Mellerson, the Board Members present voted unanimously to approve the Complaint Committee report for July 2026. 

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

It was also noted that 25-0004 was Consent Order that was paid.  Upon a motion by Mr. Irvin, and a second by Ms. Savoy, the Board Members present voted unanimously to approve the Complaint Committee report for August 2026. 

 
APPLICATION REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT

Chairman Brown reported at for the month of August, there were no new applications to be reviewed.

CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER COMMITTEE REPORT

Ms. Carlis reported that there was one new application, but it was not reviewed yet.

EXAM CHALLENGES COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Mellerson reported that no examination challenges were received during the reporting period.
VOICE/DATA/VIDEO COMMITTEE REPORT
Chairman Brown reported that there were no updates regarding the Voice/Data/Video Committee.
REVIEW OF EXAMINATION STATISTICS AND LICENSE TOTALS
For the month of July 2026, PSI exams submitted the following statistical summary:

Ms. Lantz reported that since the inception of the exam, 9,739 examinations administered, with 2,748 candidates passing, 6,993 candidates failing, for an overall pass rate of 28%

NEC 2026 COMMITTEE
Mr. Marquette reported the Committee had completed its review of the 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) and discussed proposed amendments and exceptions for Maryland. The Committee’s recommendations will move forward through the regulatory process for consideration and adoption..
CORRESPONDENCE
Ms. Lantz  presented correspondence from an incarcerated individual requesting assistance in obtaining a National Electrical Code (NEC) book for study purposes. The Board discussed the request and determined that it does not provide or distribute NEC code books. It was recommended the individual look into what educational or vocational resources may already be available through the correctional facility, as the institution may have electrical training materials or other resources available to inmates.
OLD BUSINESS
COMAR 09.09.03.04 Enforcement of the 2026 National Electrical Code
Director Marquette reported an update regarding the pending regulatory action concerning COMAR 09.09.03.04 and enforcement provisions. The proposed regulation has been published in the Maryland Register and is currently open for public comment through September 7, 2026. Following the close of the public comment period, any comments received will be reviewed, and the regulation may be presented to the Board for final action at its September meeting.

COMAR 09.09.03.03 Master Electrician License Eligibility
Director Marquette reported that the proposed regulation requiring applicants to hold a Journeyperson Electrician license before qualifying for the Master Electrician examination continues through the regulatory review process. The proposal has completed review by the Secretary’s Office and has been forwarded to the Governor’s Office for further review and approval, as confirmed by Mr. Friel. Staff will continue to monitor the proposal and provide the Board with updates as they become available. No Board action was required.

COMAR 09.09.03.05 Provision of Electrical Services
Director Marquette provided an update regarding the proposed regulatory amendments concerning the provision of electrical services. The Board noted that this regulatory action involves the same COMAR citation as another pending regulatory proposal but constitutes a separate regulatory action. Staff explained that the pending regulatory action currently moving through the regulatory approval process must become final before additional amendments to the same regulation can proceed. The proposed amendments concerning the provision of electrical services will therefore remain pending until the current regulatory action is completed. Staff will continue to monitor the status and provide updates to the Board as appropriate. No Board action was required.

Qualified Agent
The Board continued its discussion regarding the Qualified Agent designation and the absence of a current statutory definition for the credential. Counsel advised that legislation would be necessary to formally establish or clarify the Qualified Agent credential and discussed potential avenues for pursuing a statutory change. Ms. Savoy asked whether an industry organization or union could pursue legislation for the 2027 legislative session and what timeframe would apply. Staff explained that, unlike an agency bill, legislation sponsored through a member of the General Assembly could still be pursued for the upcoming session, with legislators generally beginning to prepare bills in the fall and having the ability to introduce legislation into the session. Staff further clarified that a Board member could participate in such efforts in their individual or industry capacity, but not as a representative of the Board. Ms. Savoy indicated that she would contact industry and union representatives regarding the issue and any previously developed language. She clarified that she was not undertaking the drafting of legislation on behalf of the Board.
Upon a motion by Ms. Savoy, and a second by Mr. Mellerson, the Board Members present voted to direct staff to research the previous statutory language concerning the Qualified Agent designation. The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no New Business to report
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Marquette advised the Board that he had been invited to attend two upcoming industry events on behalf of the Division. In September, he will attend the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Annual Conference, which brings together licensing agencies from across the country to discuss regulatory practices, emerging issues, and best practices. Director Marquette indicated that the conference will provide an opportunity to learn how other jurisdictions are addressing licensing matters and to identify practices that may be beneficial to the Board and Division.. Director Marquette also reported that he had been invited by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to attend an Electrical Safety Forum at NFPA headquarters in Massachusetts in late October. Discussions at the forum are expected to include emerging electrical safety issues and early considerations related to the 2029 National Electrical Code. Ms. Savoy asked whether Board members could provide questions or topics for Director Marquette to raise during the meetings. Director Marquette confirmed that Board members may submit questions in advance and noted that he could also facilitate discussions with appropriate NFPA representatives and technical experts when helpful. Ms. Savoy identified battery energy storage systems and plug-in solar installations as two emerging residential electrical issues that may warrant further discussion. Director Marquette indicated that he would work with Ms. Savoy to connect with appropriate representatives and subject-matter experts regarding those issues.
Director Marquette advised the Board of a proposed 2027 legislative initiative to extend the term of Apprentice Electrician licenses from two years to four years. The proposal is part of a broader Division initiative affecting the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC licensing programs and is intended to better align apprentice license terms with the typical duration of apprenticeship programs. The proposed legislative change was presented to the Board for informational purposes as part of the Division’s planning for the 2027 legislative session. Staff will keep the Board informed as the proposal progresses through the appropriate Departmental and legislative review processes.
COUNSEL’S REPORT
Board Counsel had no matters to report.

CHAIR’S REPORT

Chairman Brown did not offer a report.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

CLOSED SESSION

There was no Closed Session at the August Meeting

ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Smith moved to adjourn the business meeting; Mr. Mellerson seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by the Board at 11:03 a.m.

                                                                                               
_________________________________                                          ______________
Charles Marquette, Executive Director                                             Date
Mechanical Boards
                                                                       
As voted and approved by the Board on: _________