Bill Summary for Bill Number HB10-1241

Date: 02/24/2010

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB10-1241

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND LABOR

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Moved amendment L.002 (Attachment H). The motion Moved amendment L.003 (Attachment I). The motion Moved to refer House Bill 10-1241, as amended, to	Pass Without Objection Pass Without Objection PASS

01:54 PM -- House Bill 10-1241

Representative Casso, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 10-1241 concerning required registration for persons who work on fire suppression systems. This bill creates a registration program for sprinkler fitters in the Division of Fire Safety, Colorado Department of Public Safety. A sprinkler fitter is a person authorized to work on fire suppression systems. Beginning July 1, 2011, sprinkler fitters are required to register with the division, or with a municipality that has an approved certification program. Registered persons are extended title protection. In order to register with the state, a person must pay a fee, provide evidence of successful completion of a sprinkler fitter apprenticeship program, and pass an examination. Other competency criteria may be determined by the department by rule. Sprinkler fitters may apply for state registration by reciprocity. Registrations must be renewed annually.

02:04 PM -- Nathaniel Klatt and his father Paul Klatt, representing Quality Fire Protection, testified against the bill. Nathaniel Klatt talked about a couple of issues he has with the bill. Representative Stephens asked a question about the definition of sprinkler fitter apprenticeship. Mr. Klatt talked about the definition of sprinkler fitter apprenticeship. Representative Stephens asked whether an amendment would address his concerns over the definition and clarify union and nonunion. He said an amendment would address those concerns. Representative Soper asked why their program does not qualify as an approved program. Mr. Klatt explained his program and why they have not been approved by the department.

02:11 PM -- Kevin Klein, representing the Colorado Department of Public Safety, said he was neutral on the bill and addressed some amendments. He also talked about the union and nonunion issue. Representative Rice asked him to state which amendments he specifically supports. Mr. Klein replied that the department supports both Amendment L.002 and L.003. Representative Soper asked what sets off sprinklers, heat or smoke. Mr. Klein explained that they are set off by heat.

02:22 PM -- Chris Lines, representing the Department of Regulatory Agencies, testified on the sunrise process in Colorado that is used before an industry becomes regulated and talked about preparing a sunrise report for sprinkler fitters. Representative Rice commented on the bill. Representative Balmer asked how soon a sunrise process could take place. Mr. Lines explained it takes about 120 days to conduct a sunrise review. A discussion ensued regarding the sunrise review process.

02:29 PM -- Chief Joseph Gonzales, representing Denver Fire Department, testified in support of the bill. He talked about the benefits the bill would have and gave some examples of problems with sprinklers he has observed when conducting fire inspections.

02:33 PM -- Clint Janssen, representing the Vail Valley Fire Sprinkler Corporation, testified in support of the bill. He talked about the need for regulation as sprinklers become used more often. Representative Soper asked whether he knows about education programs in his area. Mr. Janssen responded.

02:38 PM -- Tom Coakley, representing Western States Fire Protection, testified in support of the bill. He talked about a similar law that Denver passed a few years ago. He said Boulder also has a similar program. Mr. Coakley expressed some concerns with conducting a sunrise review and having to wait another year to carry legislation on this issue. Representative Balmer commented on Mr. Coakley's example of glue that was found in the sprinkler heads he observed once on an inspection.

02:43 PM -- Tim Trostel, Jr., representing American Sprinker and the Colorado Fire Protection Association, testified in support of the bill and said he is an open shop. He said he believes registration is a great idea for fitters. Mr. Trostel stressed the need for high standards and competency in the industry. Representative Balmer asked a question regarding the union and nonunion companies. Representative Balmer asked whether a nonunion contractor is able to receive the training that is required in the bill. Mr. Sprinkler responded.

02:49 PM -- Rich Gessner, a union representative, testified in support of the bill. He said the bill is not a union issue, but rather a safety issue. He discussed the training that is available to open shops.

02:50 PM -- Terry Phillips, representing the National Fire Sprinkler Association, testified in support of the bill. He addressed the earlier discussion regarding sprinklers in homes and stated it will only apply to new construction. He addressed the union issue. Representative Balmer asked a number of questions.

03:00 PM -- Marvin Heath, representing Central Fire Protection Contractors, testified in support of the bill. He talked about the benefits of an apprenticeship and having a qualified competent sprinkler installer.

03:04 PM -- Rita Neiderheiser, representing Local 669, a fire sprinkler installer, testified in support of the bill.

03:06 PM -- Greg Wheeler, representing the Colorado Chapter of the International Code Council (CCICC), testified in support of the bill and spoke about the amendments. Representative Balmer asked whether the training requirements will be able to be met under the bill from nonunion contractors.

03:09 PM -- Rob Geislinger, the South Metro Fire Marshall, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his support for Amendment L.002. Representative Balmer asked whether Mr. Geislinger supports the bill. He said he does.


BILL:	HB10-1241
TIME:	03:13:52 PM
MOVED:	Casso
MOTION:	Moved amendment L.002 (Attachment H). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Gagliardi
		VOTE
	Balmer
	Bradford
	Casso
	Kerr A.
	Liston
	Middleton
	Priola
	Soper
	Stephens
	Gagliardi
	Rice

Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:	HB10-1241
TIME:	03:14:22 PM
MOVED:	Casso
MOTION:	Moved amendment L.003 (Attachment I). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Gagliardi
		VOTE
	Balmer
	Bradford
	Casso
	Kerr A.
	Liston
	Middleton
	Priola
	Soper
	Stephens
	Gagliardi
	Rice

Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:	HB10-1241
TIME:	03:21:02 PM
MOVED:	Casso
MOTION:	Moved to refer House Bill 10-1241, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed 6-4.
SECONDED:	Soper
		VOTE
	Balmer	No
	Bradford	No
	Casso	Yes
	Kerr A.	Yes
	Liston	Excused
	Middleton	Yes
	Priola	No
	Soper	Yes
	Stephens	No
	Gagliardi	Yes
	Rice	Yes

Final YES: 6 NO: 4 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS