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.