A new Pennsylvania law creates strict licensing requirements for electrical work—and the penalties for non-compliance are steeper than most business owners realize.
Most Pennsylvania small business owners don't realize that a new state law will soon require them to hire only licensed electricians for any electrical work—and violations carry criminal penalties up to $5,000 and jail time, plus civil fines up to $10,000 per violation.
That provision is buried in Senate Bill 1260, which establishes a new State Board of Electrical Licensure and sets licensing standards for electrical contractors and workers across Pennsylvania. While the bill's main purpose is professional licensing, Section 501(b) creates a compliance mandate that affects virtually every small business that uses electrical services.
Under SB1260, any small business that contracts for, employs, or directs electrical work must use only board-licensed electrical contractors and licensed electricians. This applies to routine maintenance, repairs, installations, and upgrades—not just major projects.
The law defines "electrical work" broadly and requires that anyone performing it hold a current license from the new State Board of Electrical Licensure. Using unlicensed workers, even for minor tasks, is a violation.
Violations are treated as criminal misdemeanors, with penalties up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment. Additionally, civil penalties can reach $10,000 per violation. Because each instance of non-compliant work can be counted as a separate violation, costs can accumulate quickly for businesses that unknowingly hire unlicensed workers or use contractors who fail to meet the new standards.
This creates a direct compliance burden: small business owners must verify that any electrician or contractor they hire holds the proper state license before work begins.
Sections 501 and 702 of SB1260 take effect two years from the date of enactment, according to Section 2103(1) on Page 41 of the bill. This gives businesses a window to understand the requirements and adjust their vendor relationships, but the timeline is fixed.
Business owners should begin identifying which electrical services they regularly use and verify that their current contractors and electricians will be licensed under the new board's standards. Many existing electricians will likely obtain licenses, but it's not automatic—compliance requires active verification.
Keeping documentation of contractor licenses and licensing status is essential for demonstrating good-faith compliance if questions arise.
The law reflects Pennsylvania's effort to standardize electrical work safety and professional standards statewide. However, the compliance responsibility falls squarely on business owners who hire the work, not just on the electricians themselves.
For a detailed, business-specific guide to SB1260's requirements and compliance steps, contact your local chamber of commerce or trade association.