James Schmidt

The meeting included the addition of two agenda items: a 6-month Fiscal Budget and Professional Services. The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda and minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting. Significant discussion focused on five applicants seeking license reciprocation or examination, involving felony histories, dishonesty in disclosures, and rehabilitation status, resulting in the denial of four applications and a conditional denial for the fifth regarding reciprocation while allowing continuation in the current apprenticeship program. The Board addressed office space renovation to accommodate a future elevator inspector, the resignation of an employee and hiring of a replacement, and approved the 2026 Calendar, tentatively setting a second meeting in March. Audit reports for 2024 and 2025 were reviewed, receiving an overall financial grade of "A". Discussions were held regarding capping fees, increasing the education fund, and the need for more inspectors due to data centers. Education topics included updates on existing programs, Bismarck State College's electrical program progress, and reviewing training applications from H&H Electric and Magnum Electric, leading to approval of a draft letter to H&H Electric requesting more information. The Board declined to appoint a new member to the Education Committee due to a lack of opening. Progress on the North Dakota Electrical Industry Association formation was reported. Interviews were conducted for an Elevator Mechanic position, and plans for past due skid corrections were reviewed. The Board also discussed general items including the Statement of Interests deadline and considering a feeler for new biennial audit companies. Public input for administrative rule modifications was scheduled for February 25, 2026.

The meeting primarily focused on discussions regarding educational programs and future meeting locations. Key agenda items included a detailed review of Bismarck State College's (BSC) revised second-year electrical education curriculum proposal, emphasizing theory and code alignment, and clarifying the in-program structure regarding apprenticeships, contact hours, and student capacity. The committee provisionally approved the BSC program proposal after discussion, contingent on further clarification regarding course numbering (ICTL vs. ELTR). Subsequently, H&H Electric presented an application for a related training program, detailing their instructor training, testing protocol via Pearson Learning Platform, and policies regarding student attendance and management conflicts. The committee requested H&H Electric submit a new application that specifically includes an H&H Electric policy manual and instructor applications. Finally, the committee reviewed materials from Magnum Electric/PowerHouse and noted the Board's provisional approval for their program, concluding that site visits to Magnum Electric and Dakotas Electrical Apprenticeships were productive.

The meeting included discussions on a scholarship program for ND-based Apprentices, a review of businesses and colleges that qualified for the scholarship, and the board's views on the current policy. The board initiated formal proceedings regarding a journeyman's license and discussed placing an individual on probation. Applications for reciprocity, apprenticeship, and electrician's licenses were reviewed and decisions made. The board discussed expired contractors and potential renewal requirements. Updates were provided on the biannual audit, administrative rule adjustments, a proposed calendar, past due skids corrections, fiscal reports, and inspections. The board also discussed the ND Building Code, legislative matters, Marketplace for Kids, college degree scholarships, and EIS memberships. An employee policy was adopted regarding organization memberships for employees. The board also discussed NDSEB outreach, CEU classes, NFPA codes, MHA, City of Bismarck's active certs and self-wires, and inspections in Williams County and Grand Forks.

The North Dakota State Electrical Board meeting included discussions and decisions on several key issues. The board approved a 1-year provisional electrical tech program at BSC with stipulations. They denied a request for a Master electrician to serve as the Master of Record for a specific business. The board discussed challenges to the literature in ND administrative code regarding Journeyman licenses and qualifications. Updates were provided on elevator conference, drafting admin rules, and the portal update for elevator inspection reporting. The board also discussed expired contractor licenses, past due skid corrections, complaints regarding apprentice oversight, city inspector vacancies, temporary inspectors, ND building code involvement, and the 24-25 progress/budget. The inspectors provided updates on CEU classes, field inspections, contractor orientations, and self-wires.

The committee discussed the establishment of an electrical program at Bismarck State College (BSC), including the progress of lab construction, curriculum development, and instructor recruitment. The committee advised BSC to ensure the program produces well-rounded students prepared for various career paths in the electrical industry. The committee also discussed a private contractor program doing training for other than their own employees. A visit to H&H Electric was reported, and the committee recommended inviting representatives from H&H Electric to the next meeting to discuss their application. The application from NDSCS for their Professional Electrician Apprentice Program (PEAP) was reviewed, and the committee recommended approval after syllabus corrections. Scholarship fund dispersal, mentoring young people in the electrical trade, and methods to improve exam preparation were also discussed.