SRC-AXB H.B. 3189 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3189
By: Driver (Jackson)
Economic Development
5/13/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, some licensed security firms who offer a fire alarm button on a
burglar alarm system, deactivate the button to avoid the requirement of
obtaining a fire alarm license.  Consequently, homeowners could erroneously
believe they have summoned firefighters by pushing the deactivated button.
H.B. 3189 exempts certain licensed installers from fire alarm licensing
requirements and prohibits a political subdivision from transacting certain
business with fire alarm or fire detection devices or systems. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3189 exempts certain licensed installers from fire alarm
licensing requirements and prohibits a political subdivision from
transacting certain business with fire alarm or fire detection devices or
systems. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

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 provide
that licensing provisions do not apply to an entity licensed to install or
service burglar alarms, under certain conditions. 

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 7, Article 5.43-2, Insurance Code, to prohibit a
political subdivision from taking certain actions regarding a fire alarm
device.  Clarifies that this subsection does not prohibit response to a
fire alarm by certain official entities.  Provides that this subsection
does not apply to a political subdivision with a maximum population of
35,000. 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 1999.

SECTION 4.  Emergency clause.