| Senate Bill 409 has been introduced in the Alabama State Legislature and has been assigned to the Governmental Affairs Committee which is chaired by Senator Mitchell. The bill would require fire alarm installation and service companies to meet minimum training requirements and to apply for licensing by the state fire marshal's office. The bill is very similar to the Sprinkler Contractor's Licensing Law that requires NICET certification and continuing education. The bill was requested by Ed Paulk, Alabama State Fire Marshal and is sponsored by the Alabama Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AAFAA). The bill has been approved by the Alabama Alarm Association (AAA) and was presented to the FMAA for review and comment, at the annual meeting in Orange Beach last summer. The house version of the bill is expected to be introduced the week of February 25, 2008. Updated information will be supplied as it is received. AAFAA request that members of FMAA contact their local representatives and express their support of this important legislation. Alabama is the only southeastern state that has NO licensing, training or certification requirements for Fire Alarm Contractors. If we can get this bill passed quickly then maybe we can work on one for the suppression industry which installs and maintains the kitchen hoods and provides fire extinguishers. Thank You for your time and consideration in this matter. I would appreciate your assiatance in passing this information on to the membership of FMAA. Larry Mann, SET VP, North Alabama District, AAFAA |
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Fire Marshals Association of Alabama