BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 407

By: Carona

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that burglar and fire alarm technology has evolved toward an integrated system model whereby a consumer can use a burglar or fire alarm panel to adjust not only an alarm, but also thermostats, lighting, locks, and window treatments. The parties contend that the thermostat component of this new technology has caused problems for burglar and fire alarm professionals in Texas and that such a professional who offers to sell an integrated burglar or fire alarm with thermostat controls is technically in violation of the law unless he or she also possesses an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license. S.B. 407 seeks to exempt certain licensed professionals who sell certain burglar and fire alarm components from being required to also hold an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license.

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.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 407 amends the Occupations Code to exempt from the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor Licensing Law a person licensed under the Private Security Act or a person licensed under Insurance Code provisions relating to fire detection and alarm device installation who sells, designs, or offers to sell or design a product or technology, including a burglar alarm or fire alarm, that is integrated with an air conditioning or refrigeration system if the sale, design, or offer does not include the installation of any part of an air conditioning or refrigeration system by that person.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.