BILL ANALYSIS
S.B. 478
By: Armbrister
Economic Development
03-01-95
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 grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.
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.
Effective date: upon passage.