Bill Text: IL SB3997 | 2019-2020 | 101st General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Amends the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act. Provides that any individual who performs inspection and testing of existing fire sprinkler systems and control equipment must possess a photo identification card issued by the State Fire Marshal as proof that the individual is in compliance with the Act. Provides that all inspections and testing of fire sprinkler systems and control equipment must be recorded on an inspection report or testing form. Provides that all fire sprinkler systems, upon completion of inspection and testing, must be affixed with a preprinted label bearing the name of the person performing the inspection and the license number of the licensee performing the inspection. Provides that a copy of the inspection report must be forwarded by the entity performing the inspection to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Provides that the fees for an inspection form and photo identification card shall be determined by the State Fire Marshal by rule. Provides that the State Fire Marshal has the power and duty to establish a database of all fire sprinkler systems, inspection records, and persons involved in the inspection or testing of existing fire sprinkler systems or control equipment. Effective January 1, 2021.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Failed) 2021-01-13 - Session Sine Die [SB3997 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2019-SB3997-Introduced.html

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101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY State of Illinois 2019 and 2020 SB3997 Introduced 5/22/2020, by Sen. Ram Villivalam SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
225 ILCS 317/30
225 ILCS 317/35
225 ILCS 317/50
Amends the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act. Provides that any individual who performs inspection and testing of existing fire sprinkler systems and control equipment must possess a photo identification card issued by the State Fire Marshal as proof that the individual is in compliance with the Act. Provides that all inspections and testing of fire sprinkler systems and control equipment must be recorded on an inspection report or testing form. Provides that all fire sprinkler systems, upon completion of inspection and testing, must be affixed with a preprinted label bearing the name of the person performing the inspection and the license number of the licensee performing the inspection. Provides that a copy of the inspection report must be forwarded by the entity performing the inspection to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Provides that the fees for an inspection form and photo identification card shall be determined by the State Fire Marshal by rule. Provides that the State Fire Marshal has the power and duty to establish a database of all fire sprinkler systems, inspection records, and persons involved in the inspection or testing of existing fire sprinkler systems or control equipment. Effective January 1, 2021.
LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
A BILL FOR
SB3997 LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
AN ACT concerning regulation.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act is
amended by changing Sections 30, 35, and 50 as follows:
(225 ILCS 317/30)
(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 101-626)
Sec. 30. Requirements for the installation, repair,
inspection, and testing of fire protection systems.
(a) Equipment shall be listed by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or
Factory Mutual Laboratories, Inc., or shall comply with
nationally accepted standards. The State Fire Marshal shall
adopt by rule procedures for determining whether a laboratory
is nationally recognized, taking into account the laboratory's
facilities, procedures, use of nationally recognized
standards, and any other criteria reasonably calculated to
reach an informed determination.
(b) Equipment shall be installed in accordance with the
applicable standards of the National Fire Protection
Association and the manufacturer's specifications.
(c) The contractor shall furnish the user with operating
instructions for all equipment installed, together with a

SB3997 - 2 - LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
diagram of the final installation.
(d) All fire sprinkler systems shall have a backflow
prevention device or, in a municipality with a population over
500,000, a double detector check assembly installed by a
licensed plumber before the fire sprinkler system connection to
the water service. Connection to the backflow prevention device
or, in a municipality with a population over 500,000, a double
detector assembly shall be done in a manner consistent with the
Department of Public Health's Plumbing Code.
(e) This licensing Act is not intended to require any
additional fire inspections at State level.
(f) Inspections and testing of existing fire sprinkler
systems and control equipment must be performed by a licensee
or an individual employed or contracted by a licensee. Any
individual who performs inspection and testing duties under
this subsection (f) must possess proof of (i) certification by
a nationally recognized certification organization at an
appropriate level, such as NICET Level II in Inspection and
Testing of Water Based Systems or the equivalent, by January 1,
2009 or (ii) satisfactory completion of a certified sprinkler
fitter apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department
of Labor. State employees who perform inspections and testing
on behalf of State institutions and who meet all other
requirements of this subsection (f) need not be licensed under
this Act or employed by a licensee under this Act in order to
perform inspection and testing duties under this subsection

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(f). The requirements of this subsection (f) do not apply to
individuals performing inspections or testing of fire
sprinkler systems on behalf of a municipality, a county, a fire
protection district, or the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
This subsection (f) does not apply to cursory weekly and
monthly inspections of gauges and control valves conducted in
accordance with the standards of the National Fire Protection
Association.
A copy of the inspection report for an inspection performed
pursuant to this subsection (f) must be forwarded by the entity
performing the inspection to the local fire department or fire
protection district in which the sprinkler system is located.
The inspection report must include the NICET Level II
Inspection and Testing of Water Based Systems certification
number or journeymen number of the person performing the
inspection.
(Source: P.A. 96-256, eff. 1-1-10; 97-112, eff. 7-14-11.)
(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 101-626)
Sec. 30. Requirements for the installation, repair,
inspection, and testing of fire protection systems.
(a) Equipment shall be listed by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or
Factory Mutual Laboratories, Inc., or shall comply with
nationally accepted standards. The State Fire Marshal shall
adopt by rule procedures for determining whether a laboratory

SB3997 - 4 - LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
is nationally recognized, taking into account the laboratory's
facilities, procedures, use of nationally recognized
standards, and any other criteria reasonably calculated to
reach an informed determination.
(b) Equipment shall be installed in accordance with the
applicable standards of the National Fire Protection
Association and the manufacturer's specifications.
(c) The contractor shall furnish the user with operating
instructions for all equipment installed, together with a
diagram of the final installation.
(d) All fire sprinkler systems shall have a backflow
prevention device or, in a municipality with a population over
500,000, a double detector check assembly installed by a
licensed plumber before the fire sprinkler system connection to
the water service. Connection to the backflow prevention device
or, in a municipality with a population over 500,000, a double
detector assembly shall be done in a manner consistent with the
Department of Public Health's Plumbing Code.
(e) This licensing Act is not intended to require any
additional fire inspections at State level.
(f) Before January 1, 2022, inspection and testing of
existing fire sprinkler systems and control equipment must be
performed by a licensee or an individual employed or contracted
by a licensee. Any individual who performs inspection and
testing duties under this subsection (f) must possess proof of
(i) certification by a nationally recognized certification

SB3997 - 5 - LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
organization at an appropriate level, such as NICET Level II in
Inspection and Testing of Water Based Systems or the
equivalent, (ii) a valid ASSE 15010 certification in
"inspection, testing and maintenance for water-based fire
protection systems", or (iii) satisfactory completion of a
certified sprinkler fitter apprenticeship program approved by
the U.S. Department of Labor. State employees who perform
inspections and testing on behalf of State institutions and who
meet all other requirements of this subsection (f) need not be
licensed under this Act or employed by a licensee under this
Act in order to perform inspection and testing duties under
this subsection (f). The requirements of this subsection (f) do
not apply to individuals performing inspections or testing of
fire sprinkler systems on behalf of a municipality, a county, a
fire protection district, or the Office of the State Fire
Marshal. This subsection (f) does not apply to a stationary
engineer, operating engineer, or other individual employed on a
full-time basis by the facility owner or owner's representative
performing weekly and monthly inspections and tests in
accordance with applicable National Fire Protection
Association standards.
Before January 1, 2022, a copy of the inspection report for
an inspection performed pursuant to this subsection (f) must be
forwarded by the entity performing the inspection to the local
fire department or fire protection district in which the
sprinkler system is located. The inspection report must include

SB3997 - 6 - LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
the NICET Level II Inspection and Testing of Water Based
Systems certification number, ASSE 15010 certification number
for "inspection, testing and maintenance for water-based fire
protection systems", or journeymen number of the person
performing the inspection.
After December 31, 2021, inspection and testing of existing
fire sprinkler systems and control equipment must be performed
by a licensee or an individual employed or contracted by a
licensee. Any individual who performs inspection and testing
duties under this subsection (f) must possess, on his or her
person, a photo identification card issued by the State Fire
Marshal as proof that the individual is in compliance with this
Act and must possess proof of (i) certification by a nationally
recognized certification organization at an appropriate level,
such as NICET Level III in Inspection and Testing of Water
Based Systems or the equivalent, (ii) a valid ASSE 15010
certification in "inspection, testing and maintenance for
water-based fire protection systems", or (iii) satisfactory
completion of a certified sprinkler fitter apprenticeship
program approved by the United States Department of Labor. The
photo identification card shall be issued by the State Fire
Marshal annually at a fee determined by the State Fire Marshal
by rule. State employees who perform inspections and testing on
behalf of State institutions and who meet all other
requirements of this subsection (f) need not be licensed under
this Act or employed by a licensee under this Act in order to

SB3997 - 7 - LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
perform inspection and testing duties under this subsection
(f). The requirements of this subsection (f) do not apply to
individuals performing inspections or testing of fire
sprinkler systems on behalf of a municipality, a county, a fire
protection district, or the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
This subsection (f) does not apply to a stationary engineer,
operating engineer, or other individual employed on a full-time
basis by the facility owner or owner's representative
performing weekly and monthly inspections and tests in
accordance with applicable National Fire Protection
Association standards.
All inspections and testing of fire sprinkler systems and
control equipment must be recorded on an inspection report or
testing form that shall include information as recommended by
the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 25. The
contents of the inspection report shall be established by the
State Fire Marshal by rule and shall include the license number
of the licensee performing the inspection and the ASSE 15010
certification number for "inspection, testing and maintenance
for water-based fire protection systems" or the NICET Level III
"inspection and testing of water based systems" certification
number or journeymen number of the person performing the
inspection.
All fire sprinkler systems, upon completion of inspection
and testing, must be affixed with a preprinted label bearing
the name of the person performing the inspection and the

SB3997 - 8 - LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
license number of the licensee performing the inspection. The
label required under this Section shall include information
established by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
After December 31, 2021, a copy of the inspection report
for an inspection performed pursuant to this subsection (f)
must be forwarded by the entity performing the inspection to
(i) the local fire department or fire protection district in
which the sprinkler system is located and (ii) the Office of
the State Fire Marshal. The inspection report must include the
NICET Level III Inspection and Testing of Water Based Systems
certification number, ASSE 15010 certification number for
"inspection, testing and maintenance for water-based fire
protection systems", or journeymen number of the person
performing the inspection.
(Source: P.A. 101-626, eff. 6-1-20.)
(225 ILCS 317/35)
Sec. 35. Fees, renewals, continuing education, and
required insurance.
(a) The fees for an original license, inspection form,
photo identification card, and each renewal and for duplicate
copies of licenses shall be determined by the State Fire
Marshal by rule.
(b) Each license must be renewed every 2 years. Each
licensee must complete 16 hours of continuing education in the
2-year period following his or her renewal or initial licensure

SB3997 - 9 - LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th
General Assembly. Current licensure as a professional engineer
or proof of current NICET certification in Level III or IV
shall satisfy this requirement for designated certified
persons. Continuing education offered through nationally
recognized building and fire code organizations and their
affiliates; nationally recognized fire sprinkler organizations
and their affiliates; institutions of higher education;
educational bodies specializing in automatic fire suppression
system technology; as well as other entities approved by the
State Fire Marshal shall be also acceptable. All continuing
education entities seeking to be approved providers of
continuing education shall make application to the State Fire
Marshal and offer programs that:
(1) contribute to the advancement, extension, or
enhancement of the professional skills or technical
knowledge of the licensee in the practice of fire sprinkler
contracting; and
(2) are developed and presented by persons with
education or experience in the subject manner of the
program.
(c) Any person who fails to file a renewal application by
the date of expiration of a license shall be assessed a late
filing charge, which shall be determined by the State Fire
Marshal by rule.
(d) All fees shall be paid by check or money order. Any fee

SB3997 - 10 - LRB101 21536 LNS 72353 b
required by this Act is not refundable in the event that the
original application or application for renewal is denied.
(e) Every application for an original license shall be
accompanied by a certificate of insurance issued by an
insurance company authorized to do business in the State of
Illinois or by a risk retention or purchasing group formed
pursuant to the federal Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986,
which provides primary, first dollar public liability coverage
of the applicant or licensee for personal injuries for not less
than $500,000 per person or $1,000,000 per occurrence, and, in
addition, for not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for
property damage. The insurance policy shall be in effect at all
times during the license year and a new certificate of
insurance shall be filed with the State Fire Marshal within 30
days after the renewal of the insurance policy.
(Source: P.A. 97-112, eff. 7-14-11.)
(225 ILCS 317/50)
Sec. 50. Powers and duties of the State Fire Marshal. The
State Fire Marshal has all of the following powers and duties:
(a) To prescribe and furnish application forms, licenses,
and any other forms necessary under this Act.
(b) To suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew
licenses for cause.
(c) To conduct hearings concerning the suspension,
revocation, or refusal to issue or renew licenses.

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(d) To levy and collect fines pursuant to this Act.
(e) To promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the
administration of this Act.
(f) To establish a database of all fire sprinkler systems,
inspection records, and persons involved in the inspection or
testing of existing fire sprinkler systems or control
equipment.
(Source: P.A. 92-871, eff. 1-3-03.)
Section 95. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes
changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text
that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section
represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does
not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes
made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other
Public Act.
Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect January
1, 2021.