| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
HB 1968
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Requiring certification for sprinkler fitters.
Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Conway and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/16/07
Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).
Background:
The state Director of Fire Protection (Director) administers state laws relating to licensing of fire
protection sprinkler system contractors and certification of persons designing and installing
certain sprinkler systems.
Licensing and Certification Requirement
To construct, install, or maintain a fire protection sprinkler system in an occupancy, a person
must be licensed as a fire protection sprinkler system contractor. This requirement does not
apply to owners/occupiers of single-family dwellings installing a sprinkler system in those
dwellings, government employees acting in their official capacities, and certain other persons. A
municipality may not require a contractor to obtain a license from the municipality to install
sprinkler systems. A licensed fire protection sprinkler system contractor is qualified to install,
inspect, maintain, or service a fire protection sprinkler system. To become a licensed fire
protection sprinkler system contractor, a person or firm must:
To become a certificate holder, a person must satisfy criteria established by the Director, and pass
an examination. The Director may accept equivalent proof of qualification in lieu of
examination. The Director is authorized to refuse or revoke licenses and certificates for reasons
including fraud, dishonest practices, felony convictions, and gross incompetence or negligence.
Licensing decisions may be appealed as provided in the state Administrative Procedure Act.
Administration
As noted above, the Director administers the licensing and certification requirements. The
Director must adopt rules necessary for the administration of these requirements, administer
examinations, set reasonable fees for licenses and certificates, investigate complaints, and take
other actions necessary to enforce these provisions.
Dedicated Account
The Fire Protection Contractor License Fund exists in the custody of the State Treasurer. License
and certificate fees are deposited into the fund. No appropriation is required for expenditures.
Summary of Bill:
In addition to licensing and certification requirements applicable to fire protection sprinkler
system contractors, the state Director of Fire Protection (Director) must administer certification
requirements applicable to sprinkler fitters.
Certification Requirement
A certification requirement for sprinkler fitters is established. A person may not engage in the
sprinkler fitting trade without having a journey-level or residential certificate, trainee certificate,
or temporary permit. Similarly, a contractor may not employ a person to perform sprinkler fitting
work who does not have such a certificate or permit. An exception to the certification
requirement allows a plumber to install a residential sprinkler system connected to potable water.
Certification With Examination
To obtain a certificate, a person must submit an application, pass the appropriate examination,
and pay application and examination fees. In addition, for a journey-level sprinkle fitter
certificate, the person must have 8,000 hours of trade-related sprinkler fitting experience. For a
residential sprinkler fitter certificate, the person must have 4,000 hours of trade-related sprinkler
fitting or residential sprinkler fitting experience. For a trainee certificate, the person must have
trade-related employment with a licensed fire protection sprinkler system contractor.
Certification Without Examination
A provision allows a person to become certified without examination for up to one year. The
person must submit an application, pays an application fee, and have either 8,000 hours of trade-related sprinkler fitting experience or 4,000 hours of trade-related sprinkler fitting or residential
sprinkler fitting experience. The applicant must apply for the certificate within 90 days after the
effective date of the act.
A reciprocity clause allows a person who is a journey-level or residential sprinkler fitter in
another state to become certified without examination. The certification requirements in the
other state must be substantially equivalent to the requirements in Washington. The other state
must extend the same privilege to a person who is a certified journey-level or residential
sprinkler fitter in Washington.
Administration and Enforcement
The Director is authorized to investigate alleged violations of the certification requirement. A
person wishing to appeal an infraction must file an appeal within 20 days of the notice of
infraction in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
Monetary penalties are set by rule. All receipts from fees and penalties are deposited in the Fire
Protection Contractor License Fund.
Rules Authority: The bill contains provisions requiring the exercise of rule-making powers by
the state Director of Fire Protection.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.