HB1425
To Abolish The Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Duties Of The Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes to abolish the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board and transfer its authority, duties, and functions to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. The existing rules, orders, and licenses issued by the abolished board would remain in effect until amended or repealed. Several Arkansas Code sections are amended to reflect this change, replacing references to the abolished board with the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. These amendments pertain to exemptions for private investigators, the use of the Fire Protection Licensing Fund, definitions of 'apprentice' and 'fixed fire protection systems,' exceptions to monitoring requirements, penalties for violations, cooperation with agencies, and the creation of the abolished board. The bill also repeals the section detailing the creation and composition of the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board. Essentially, the bill consolidates regulatory and licensing responsibilities for fire protection services under a single existing board.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are likely to be the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, as it will absorb the responsibilities and resources of the abolished Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board, potentially leading to a more streamlined regulatory process. Individuals and businesses involved in the installation, inspection, servicing, and sale of fire extinguishers and fire protection systems may also benefit from a consolidated regulatory body, potentially reducing administrative confusion and overlapping requirements. The public, in general, could benefit from more consistent and efficient oversight of fire safety services.
Who Might Suffer?
The most directly negatively impacted entities are the members of the abolished Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board, whose positions and roles would cease to exist. Additionally, any administrative staff or resources specifically tied to the Arkansas Fire Protection Licensing Board would be affected by its dissolution. While not explicitly stated as negatively impacted, the transition of responsibilities could present initial administrative challenges for the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board and potentially for licensees if the integration of functions is not seamless.