State Rep. Joseph D’Orsie (R-York) said he is preparing to introduce legislation that will limit the growth of fees charged by the state Department of Labor and Industry.
In a memo to his legislative colleagues, D’Orsie said his legislation would keep those fees in check. D’Orsie cited fees for inspections, certifications and other Borough of Occupational and Industrial Safety services that have increased by almost 29 percent over the past eight years. The fee increases have been attributed to a cost-of-living adjustment enacted in 2017.
“The COLA relates to the fee schedule provided for the Department of Labor and Industry for the BOIS under Act 40 of 2014,” he wrote. “The purpose was to ensure that the BOIS was being funded adequately and to ensure there would be no shortfall in the future. However, there has consistently been a surplus in funding that is putting an undue burden on businesses and non-profits in our Commonwealth who require the use of these services.”
The BOIS charges a wide variety of fees ranging from code official licensing ($129.13) to third-party agency certification ($387.38), building permits (on average starting around $400), boiler/pressure vessel inspections and asbestos/lead certifications (which vary based on size, permits by square footage and type).
In urging his House colleagues to support the legislation, D’Orsie said because the amount collected exceeds the amount distributed by BOIS, the state should limit how much the agency can collect.
“The revenue collected from these fees is distributed to the BOIS in the amount of $10 million,” he wrote. “Any revenue collected above the $10 million augmented for the BOIS is deposited into the general fund. Because of the consistent surplus monies collected, it only makes sense to cap these fees to protect businesses.”
As of Dec. 10, the legislation had not been filed.