MO HB491

Establishes the "Fire Equipment Distributors Regulation and Licensing Law" requiring fire equipment distributors and their employees to obtain state fire marshal certification or licensing for activities involving portable fire extinguishers and preengineered wet chemical or dry chemical fire suppression systems, effective January 1, 2014.

Creates a nine-member Fire Equipment Distributors and Employees Advisory Board appointed by the governor with senate consent, consisting of six distributor representatives, two fire service representatives, and one public member, with the state fire marshal serving as ex officio member.

Establishes three classes of fire equipment distributor certifications (Class A for portable extinguishers, Class B for wet chemical kitchen systems, Class C for dry chemical industrial systems) with liability insurance requirements ranging from $300,000 to $1,000,000.

Creates five classes of employee licenses (Classes 1-5) for workers performing certified fire equipment services, with requirements including completion of manufacturer or state-approved training and examinations based on NFPA standards.

Authorizes the board to set periodic certification and licensing fees through rulemaking and establishes an appeals process allowing aggrieved parties to request board review within 15 days and pursue judicial review under state law.