Brief Description: Regulating fire protection sprinkler system contractors.

Sponsors: Representatives McCoy, Cooper, Conway, Romero, Lovick, Simpson and Kenney.

Hearing Date: 2/12/03

Staff: Jill Reinmuth (786-7134).

Background:

The state director of fire protection (the state fire marshal) administers licensing requirements for persons who install fire sprinkler systems. To be licensed, a contractor must employ a holder of a certificate of competency issued by the state director of fire protection, meet minimum insurance requirements, and pay a license fee.

Persons who install fire sprinkler systems may be subject to criminal penalties. A licensed contractor who maliciously constructs, installs, or maintains a fire sprinkler system in a way that threatens the safety of someone in a fire is guilty of a class C felony. An unlicensed person who constructs, installs, or maintains a fire sprinkler system in any dwelling other than an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

Summary of Bill:

The state director of fire protection must adopt rules defining infractions and fines applicable to fire protection sprinkler system contractors. A licensed contractor who commits these infractions is subject to civil penalties from $200 to $5,000. One who fails to obtain a certificate of competency is subject to civil penalties from $1,000 to $5,000.

Rules Authority: The bill requires the state director of fire protection (the state fire marshal) to adopt rules.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 6, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.