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).