HB66 Summary

• Establishes two classes of fire protection sprinkler contractors: Class I (full-scope systems) and Class II (residential only), with the State Fire Marshal authorized to issue permits to qualified contractors upon payment of $120 application fee.

• Requires Class I contractors to have a certificate holder who passes the NICET Fire Protection Layout Technician Level III competency test; requires Class II contractors to hold valid master plumber certification and complete 32 hours of residential fire sprinkler training.

• Mandates that a certified licensed engineer design plans for any residential fire protection sprinkler system and approve all system design changes.

• Requires the State Fire Marshal to collect and publish monthly data on residential structural fires including structure type, age, construction code, fire cause, damage extent, and presence of smoke detectors and sprinklers on the State Fire Marshal's website at no cost to the public.

• Clarifies the act does not authorize the State Fire Marshal to mandate sprinkler installation in single-family dwellings; becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and approval.