BILL ANALYSIS



S.B. 478
By: Armbrister (Saunders)
04-12-95
Committee Report (Unamended)


BACKGROUND

     Licensed electricians usually install smoke detectors in new
residences as part of wiring a house.  Revisions to building codes
have resulted in requirements that new homes have more than one
smoke detector.  When there is more than one smoke detector they
must be interconnected which constitutes a system according to the
Texas Commission on Fire Protection.  The commission requires
systems to be installed by commission licensees or engineers.

PURPOSE

     As proposed, S.B. 478 prohibits application of the licensing
provisions of Article 5.43-2, Insurance Code, to a person holding
a license as an electrician who installs alarm devices in
residences if the devices installed are multiple station detectors
capable of being connected so that actuation of one causes all
integral parts of the alarm to operate.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

     It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not
expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency or institution.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.

Amends Section 3(b), Article 5.43-2, Insurance Code, to prohibit
the licensing provisions of this article from applying to, among
other persons, a person who holds a license issued by an
incorporated city or town to practice as an electrician and who
installs fire or smoke detection and alarm devices in certain
residences if the devices installed are multiple station detectors
capable of being connected in a manner that actuation of one
detector causes all integral or separate parts to operate, if these
alarms are not connected to a control panel or outside alarm, do
not transmit a signal off the premises, and do not use more than
120 volts.  

SECTION 2. Emergency Clause and Effective Date.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

     In accordance with House Rules, S.B. 478 was heard in a public
hearing on April 12, 1995.  The Chair laid out S.B. 478 and
recognized Representative Saunders to explain the bill.  The Chair
recognized Representative Counts who moved the Committee to report
S.B. 478 as engrossed to the full House with the recommendation
that it do pass, be printed, and sent to the Committee on Local &
Consent Calendar.  Rep. G. Lewis seconded the motion and the motion
prevailed by the following vote:  AYES (9); NAYES (0); ABSENT (0);
PNV (0).