SECTION 1. Section 32 of chapter 166 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2004 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following new paragraphs:-

Every inspector of wires, deputy inspector of wires and assistant inspector of wires appointed on or after the effective date of this section shall be certified by the state board of examiners of electricians in accordance with regulations promulgated by said board.  Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law, act, regulation, ordinance or by-law to the contrary, all full-time or part-time inspectors of wires duly appointed and in the office on the effective date of this legislation and meeting the minimum requirement of this section for his position shall be deemed qualified and certified in the position held on said date upon satisfactory evidence of such appointment furnished to the board by a city or town clerk.

Said administration shall issue a certificate to all inspectors of wires and assistant inspectors of wires from continuing education requirements for maintenance of certification, which may be adopted by said board.

Said board shall:

(a)   Develop requirements and promulgate regulations for the certification of inspectors of wires, assistant inspectors of wires and deputy inspectors of wires and to issue a certificate to individuals who meet the requirements.

(b)  To prepare courses of instruction or approve courses of instruction offered by others for training persons for certification as inspectors of wires, assistant inspectors of wires and deputy inspectors of wires.

The board shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to require the director of said board to be in compliance with the continuing education requirement.  Compliance with the continuing education requirement shall be a prerequisite for the director’s continued service on the board.