2002 Veto
2002 No Action
2001 Veto
2001 No Action
2000 Signature
2000 Veto
2000 No Action
1999 Signature
1999 Veto
1998 Signature
1998 Veto
1998 No Action
1997 Signature
1997 Veto
1996 Signature
1996 Veto
1995 Signature
1995 Veto
1995 No Action
July 7, 1997
TO THE HONORABLE, THE SENATE:
In accordance with the provisions of § 43-1-4 of the General Laws, I am transmitting herewith, with my disapproval, 97-S 541, Substitute A, "An Act Relating to Pipefitters and Refrigeration Technicians, Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractors and Journeyperson Sprinkler Fitters and Oil Heat Contractors."
The primary purpose of this Act is to increase the role of the Board of Examiners for Pipefitters and Refrigeration Technicians, Fire Protection Sprinkler Contractors and Journeyperson Sprinkler Fitters and Oil Heat Contractors from purely advisory to an independent administrative and quasi-judicial Board. Secondarily, the Act allows also for certain individuals to qualify for the master's examination even though they did not go through an apprenticeship, if the Department of Labor and Training believes that such person is otherwise qualified to take the examination.
The Board currently operates, in an advisory capacity, under the supervision and control of the Director of the Department of Labor and Training. The government reform trend, in Rhode Island and elsewhere, has been toward the adoption of laws that create advisory boards that report findings and recommendations to executive branch agencies, which have ultimate regulatory authority, and away from the self-regulation of trades by boards dominated by trade members. This Act runs contrary to these reforms in trade regulation. Moreover, there have been no known problems during the time that the Board has been under department oversight. Therefore, there is no compelling reason why the Board should be given the measure of independence from executive supervision contained in this Act.
For the foregoing reasons, I disapprove of this legislation and respectfully urge your support of this veto.
Sincerely,
Lincoln Almond
Governor