81R9110 BEF-F
By: Chisum H.B. No. 4323
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the regulation of multipurpose residential fire
protection sprinkler specialists by the Texas State Board of
Plumbing Examiners.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 1301.002, Occupations Code, is amended
by adding Subdivision (5-a) to read as follows:
(5-a) "Multipurpose residential fire protection
sprinkler specialist" means a person who holds an endorsement
issued under Section 1301.3565.
SECTION 2. Section 1301.352, Occupations Code, is amended
to read as follows:
Sec. 1301.352. EXAMINATION REQUIRED. The board shall issue
a license or endorsement as a master plumber, journeyman plumber,
plumbing inspector, tradesman plumber-limited license holder,
medical gas piping installation endorsement holder, [or] water
supply protection specialist, or multipurpose residential fire
protection sprinkler specialist to a person who demonstrates the
fitness, competence, and qualifications to receive the license or
endorsement by passing a uniform, reasonable examination.
SECTION 3. Subchapter G, Chapter 1301, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 1301.3565 to read as follows:
Sec. 1301.3565. ENDORSEMENT: MULTIPURPOSE RESIDENTIAL
FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SPECIALIST. (a) A person may not engage
in the installation of a multipurpose residential fire protection
sprinkler system that uses potable cold water to provide water for
domestic plumbing fixtures and for fire protection sprinklers
unless the person:
(1) is licensed under this chapter as a master plumber
or journeyman plumber; and
(2) holds an endorsement issued under this section.
(b) The board shall issue an endorsement as a multipurpose
residential fire protection sprinkler specialist to a person who:
(1) holds the license described by Subsection (a);
(2) applies to the board on a form prescribed by the
board;
(3) pays a fee set by the board;
(4) presents evidence satisfactory to the board of
successful completion of a certification program approved by the
board for multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler
specialists; and
(5) passes an examination required by the board.
(c) An endorsement issued under this section is valid until
the third anniversary of the date of issuance and may be renewed on
compliance with any requirements prescribed by board rule.
(d) A person who holds an endorsement under this section may
represent to the public that the person is a multipurpose
residential fire protection sprinkler specialist.
(e) A plumbing inspector who meets the requirements of the
board may inspect a multipurpose residential fire protection
sprinkler installation.
SECTION 4. (a) Not later than November 1, 2009, the Texas
State Board of Plumbing Examiners shall adopt rules necessary to
implement Section 1301.3565, Occupations Code, as added by this
Act.
(b) Not later than December 1, 2009, the Texas State Board
of Plumbing Examiners shall begin administering examinations and
issuing multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler
specialist endorsements under Section 1301.3565, Occupations Code,
as added by this Act.
SECTION 5. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b) of this
section, this Act takes effect September 1, 2009.
(b) Section 1301.3565(a), Occupations Code, as added by
this Act, takes effect March 1, 2010.