Brief Description: Providing assistance in identifying recalled sprinkler system parts.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Holmquist, Simpson, Curtis, Condotta, Dunshee and Darneille).

House Committee on Commerce & Labor
Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research & Development

Background:

The state Director of Fire Protection (the state Fire Marshal) administers licensing and certification requirements, and sets license and certificate fees for fire sprinkler contractors and fire sprinkler certificate of competency holders. Contractors pay initial application fees ranging from $35 to $500, and annual fees ranging from $100 to $1,500. (Contractor license fees vary depending on the level of licensing.) Certificate holders pay initial application fees of $25, and annual fees of $25. These fees are deposited into the Fire Protection Contractor License Fund. This fund is used only for purposes of licensing and regulating fire protection sprinkler system contractors. It is subject to allotment, but not appropriation.

Summary:

The purposes for which the Fire Protection Contractor License Fund may be used are broadened. The fund may be used to assist in identifying fire sprinkler system components that are subject to recalls or voluntary replacement programs, as well as for licensing and regulating fire protection sprinkler system contractors. Assistance must include, but is not limited to, helping identify recalled components, helping to make sure consumers are aware of recalls and voluntary replacement programs, and training and assisting local fire authorities, the industry, and the public. Recalls and voluntary replacement programs must be by manufacturers, testing laboratories, or the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   97   0
Senate   47   0

Effective: July 24, 2005