Bill
SB 874
SB 874 creates a state licensing and permitting framework for installing and servicing portable fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems to improve safety, accountability, a
Date Filed: April 28, 2026
Paid attention to: Session 2025
Primary Sponsor: Senator Burgin
Purpose and intent
- Establish a state licensing and permitting framework for firms and individuals who install, inspect, recharge, repair, service, test, or otherwise work on portable fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems.
- Improve consistency, safety, and accountability in fire protection equipment installation and maintenance through state supervision and standardized requirements.
Key provisions and changes
- New Article: Article 82C within Chapter 58 (State Fire Marshal) titled “Licensing and Permitting for the Installation and Servicing of Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Suppression Systems.”
- Definitions (Section 58-82C-1) establishing terms for:
- Fire suppression systems (including kitchen, pre-engineered industrial, and engineered special hazard systems)
- Engineered vs pre-engineered systems
- Portables, firms, permits, licenses, and suppression agents
- State Fire Marshal and related responsibilities
- Administration and rules (Section 58-82C-2):
- State Fire Marshal to administer the new article and adopt rules.
- Authority to adopt NFPA or other recognized standards as enforceable.
- Possible examinations for license/permitting applicants.
- Authority to seek/grant grants for administration.
- Licensing and permitting requirements (Section 58-82C-3):
- Firms must be licensed; individuals must have permits to perform activities listed.
- Activities include installation, inspection, recharge, repair, servicing, and testing of portable extinguishers and various fire suppression systems.
- Exemptions possible for certain routine or ownership-based activities (e.g., routine visual inspections; employees working only on firm-owned equipment on property controlled by the firm).
- Fees (Section 58-82C-4):
- License application fee: $250 (nonrefundable).
- Permit application fee: $100 (nonrefundable).
- Fees exempt for certain government employees and fire department personnel.
- License/permit issuance criteria (Section 58-82C-5):
- Firms: background checks, lawful existence, compliance with requirements, possession of necessary equipment, proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance (or other minimum as set by Fire Marshal), and payment of fees.
- Individuals: similar baseline requirements for permits (including examination if required).
- Production of license/permit on demand (Section 58-82C-6):
- Must carry license/permit when performing covered activities; be able to produce on demand.
- Reciprocity (Section 58-82C-7):
- Out-of-state credentials may be recognized via reciprocity if substantially equivalent and fees paid.
- Applications and information (Section 58-82C-8):
- Standardized forms; accuracy under penalty of denial; firm applications must designate employer.
- Licenses/permits specify authorized activities; changes must be reported within 30 days.
- 60-day correction window for deficiencies following inspection.
- Terms and renewal (Section 58-82C-9):
- Licenses/permits issued for calendar year (January 1 – December 31).
- Nonrenewal by December 31 renders license/permit inoperative; reinstatement requires fee plus potential penalty within 90 days.
- Sanctions and due process (Sections 58-82C-10 to 58-82C-13):
- Grounds for denial/suspension/revocation/probation; procedure for notice, review, and hearings.
- Civil penalties for violations; penalties escalate with repeated offenses ($1,000–$5,000 ranges).
- Cease and desist orders; potential revocation for continued violations.
- Criminal penalties (Class 1 misdemeanor) for willful violations or certain misconduct (e.g., falsifying records, impersonation, or operating without proper authorization).
- Federal/local government role (Section 58-82C-15):
- State/local regulation remains possible; local governments cannot impose additional competency requirements beyond this Article.
Effective date and temporary rules
- Effective date: October 1, 2026.
- Office authorized to adopt temporary rules to implement the act, with later permanent rules to replace them.
Impact and who it affects
- Affects: Firms and individuals involved in installing, inspecting, recharging, repairing, servicing, or testing portable fire extinguishers and various types of fire suppression systems.
- Local jurisdictions and fire safety authorities may see clearer standards and enforcement mechanisms.
- Industry participants must obtain licenses/permits, meet insurance and equipment requirements, and comply with tagging, reporting, and inspection standards.
Overall
- SB 874 creates a centralized, state-mediated licensing/permitting regime to raise quality and accountability in fire safety equipment installation and maintenance, with defined penalties for noncompliance and a framework for reciprocity with out-of-state credentials.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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