HB 2132 -- Registration of Fire Sprinkler System Contractors

Sponsor:  Wells

This bill requires any contractor who engages in the installation
or service of fire sprinkler systems to register with the State
Fire Marshal.  In its main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Establishes the Fire Sprinkler System Advisory Council
within the Office of the State Fire Marshal to establish rules
and regulations regarding the application content and the
procedures for filing an application for a certificate of
registration or a renewal of certification, education or
experience requirements, standards and methods for assessing the
competency of applicants, setting licensing fees, and
establishing procedures for granting reciprocity with other
states;

(2)  Establishes requirements which a contractor must meet in
order to obtain a certificate of registration, including
demonstrating his or her own knowledge or the employment of a
person with experience and certification in the area of fire
sprinkler installation and service;

(3)  Specifies the procedure for the certification renewal
process;

(4)  Requires the certificate of registration to be displayed
conspicuously in the contractor's place of business;

(5)  Creates the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Registration Fund for
the deposit of fees collected by the council for the
administration of the provisions of the bill;

(6)  Requires the fire marshal to send written notices at least
30 days prior to the expiration of a certificate;

(7)  Requires an applicant to provide evidence of liability
insurance in the amount of at least $1 million per policy year;

(8)  Authorizes the fire marshal to file a complaint with the
Administrative Hearing Commission against certified contractors
for specific violations.  If grounds for discipline are found,
the council is authorized to censure or place a contractor on
probation for up to five years or suspend or revoke the
contractor's certification;

(9)  Authorizes the fire marshal to seek an injunction,
restraining order, or other order against a contractor who
operates without a certificate or presents a probability of
serious danger to any resident of this state; and

(10)  Allows a municipality, county, or any other local
governmental body or jurisdiction to require a contractor to
obtain a permit and pay a fee for the installation of a fire
sprinkler system and the installation to be in conformance with
its building code or other construction requirements but cannot
impose qualification or financial responsibility requirements
other than proof of a valid certificate of registration.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:13 pm