Senate Bill 768 Summary

• Establishes the "Automatic Fire Protection Regulatory Act" to regulate installation and servicing of automatic fire protection systems in Michigan, administered by the Bureau of Fire Services within the Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth.

• Requires contractors and fire sprinkler fitters to obtain licenses and endorsements for installation, maintenance, and inspection of automatic fire protection systems, with licenses valid for 3 years at a cost of $150 plus $40 per endorsement.

• Creates the Michigan Fire Sprinkler Board with 9 members (at least 5 licensed individuals) to advise on qualifications, examinations, standards of practice, and disciplinary actions.

• Requires completion of a 5-year registered apprenticeship program with 8,500 hours of practical experience and 850 hours of classroom instruction, passage of an approved examination, and 24 hours of continuing education per license cycle.

• Establishes the Fire Protection System Fund as a revolving account to collect licensing fees and fund bureau operations, with provisions for the state fire marshal to adjust fees after 5 years following public hearings and legislative notification.