Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workforce Development Committee |
HB 2260
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: Concerning dwelling unit fire protection sprinkler systems.
Sponsors: Representatives Buys and Manweller.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/14
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
Persons or organizations that contract for the installation, inspection, maintenance, or servicing of a fire protection sprinkler system must obtain a license from the state Director of Fire Protection (State Fire Marshal). Fire protection sprinkler system contractors must either be or employ a person who holds a fire protection sprinkler system certification of competency. To obtain a certificate of competency, the applicant must meet an examination requirement, which may be met by showing a certificate of competency in fire protection, automatic sprinkler system layout issued by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. The director has established several levels of licensing and certification.
A sprinkler fitter certificate is required to engage in fire protection sprinkler fitting; however, no certificate is required for a plumber to install a residential fire protection sprinkler system connected to potable water.
Summary of Bill:
A new license category of dwelling unit fire protection sprinkler system contractor (dwelling unit contractor) is created. This license is for the design, installation, maintenance, or servicing of a residential sprinkler system in accordance with the state building code for one and two-family dwellings. The State Fire Marshal must adopt rules establishing the new category of license and establishing a parallel certificate of competency. The examination requirement may be met by an alternate certificate demonstrating competency applicable to dwelling unit systems.
The director must also adopt rules authorizing plumbing contractors to install dwelling unit systems where the design is provided by a licensed fire protection sprinkler system contractor or a dwelling unit contractor.
The new rules must be adopted within 180 days of March 31, 2014.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.