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H.B. 274

             1     

FIRE PREVENTION AMENDMENTS

             2     
2000 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Sponsor: Katherine M. Bryson

             5      AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY CODE; AMENDING THE DUTIES OF THE
             6      STATE FIRE MARSHAL; REVISING THE FIRE CODE STANDARD; AUTHORIZING
             7      ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS; AND MAKING TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
             8      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             9      AMENDS:
             10          53-7-103, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 234, Laws of Utah 1993
             11          53-7-104, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 234, Laws of Utah 1993
             12          53-7-106, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 234, Laws of Utah 1993
             13          53-7-202, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 234, Laws of Utah 1993
             14          53-7-203, as last amended by Chapters 276 and 375, Laws of Utah 1997
             15          53-7-204, as last amended by Chapter 192, Laws of Utah 1998
             16          53-7-204.2, as last amended by Chapter 28, Laws of Utah 1995
             17          53-7-205, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 234, Laws of Utah 1993
             18          53-7-209, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 234, Laws of Utah 1993
             19          53-7-210, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 234, Laws of Utah 1993
             20          53-7-304, as last amended by Chapter 243, Laws of Utah 1996
             21          53-7-305, as renumbered and amended by Chapter 234, Laws of Utah 1993
             22      ENACTS:
             23          53-7-107, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             24      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             25          Section 1. Section 53-7-103 is amended to read:
             26           53-7-103. State Fire Marshal Division -- Creation -- State fire marshal --
             27      Appointment, qualifications, duties, and compensation.


             28          (1) There is created within the department the State Fire Marshal Division.
             29          (2) (a) The director of the division is the state fire marshal, who shall be appointed by the
             30      commissioner upon the recommendation of the Utah Fire Prevention Board created in Section
             31      53-7-203 and with the approval of the governor.
             32          (b) The state fire marshal is the executive and administrative head of the division, and shall
             33      be qualified by experience and education to enforce rules made under this chapter and perform the
             34      duties prescribed by the commissioner.
             35          (3) The state fire marshal acts under the supervision and control of the commissioner and
             36      may be removed from his position at the will of the commissioner.
             37          (4) The state fire marshal shall:
             38          (a) enforce rules made under this chapter as provided in accordance with Section 53-7-104 ;
             39          (b) complete the duties assigned by the commissioner;
             40          (c) examine plans and specifications for school buildings, as required by Section
             41      53A-20-104 ;
             42          (d) approve modifications or additions to plans and specifications for school building
             43      construction adopted by the State Board of Education, as required by Section 53A-20-102 ;
             44          (e) approve criteria established by the state superintendent for building inspectors, as
             45      required by Sections 10-9-106 and 17-27-105 ; [and]
             46          (f) promote and support injury prevention public education programs; and
             47          [(f)] (g) perform all other duties provided in this chapter.
             48          (5) The state fire marshal shall receive compensation as provided by Title 67, Chapter 19,
             49      Utah State Personnel Management Act.
             50          Section 2. Section 53-7-104 is amended to read:
             51           53-7-104. Enforcement of rules -- Division of authority and responsibility.
             52          (1) The authority and responsibility for enforcing rules made under this chapter is divided
             53      as provided in this section.
             54          (2) The fire officers of any city or county shall enforce the rules of the state fire marshal
             55      in their respective areas.
             56          (3) The state fire marshal may enforce the rules in:
             57          (a) areas outside of corporate cities, fire protection districts, and special districts organized
             58      for fire protection purposes; and


             59          (b) state-owned property, school district owned property, and privately owned property
             60      used for schools located within corporate cities and county fire protection districts, asylums,
             61      mental hospitals, hospitals, sanitariums, homes for the aged, residential health-care facilities,
             62      children's homes or institutions, or similar institutional type occupancy of any capacity.
             63          (4) The state fire marshal may enforce the rules in corporate cities, counties, and fire
             64      protection districts, and special service districts organized for fire protection purposes upon
             65      [written] receiving a request [of] from the chief fire official or the local governing body.
             66          Section 3. Section 53-7-106 is amended to read:
             67           53-7-106. Adoption of fire code.
             68          (1) [Subject to Section 53-7-204 , the Uniform Fire Code, as promulgated by the
             69      International Fire Code Institute,] A fire code promulgated by a nationally recognized code
             70      authority and adopted by the Utah Fire Prevention Board pursuant to Section 53-7-204 is the state
             71      fire code, to which cities, counties, fire protection districts, and the state shall adhere in
             72      safeguarding life and property from the hazards of fire and explosion.
             73          (2) (a) The legislative body of a political subdivision may make ordinances that are more
             74      restrictive in its fire code requirements than the state fire code, in order to meet the public safety
             75      needs of the political subdivision.
             76          (b) The legislative body of a political subdivision shall provide to the Utah Fire Prevention
             77      Board one copy of each ordinance enacted under Subsection (2)(a).
             78          (c) The state fire marshal shall keep an indexed copy of the ordinances.
             79          (d) Copies of the ordinances are available from the state fire marshal on request.
             80          Section 4. Section 53-7-107 is enacted to read:
             81          53-7-107. Electronic writing.
             82          (1) Any writing required or permitted by this chapter may be filed or prepared in an
             83      electronic medium and by electronic transmission subject to the ability of the recipient to accept
             84      and process the electronic writing.
             85          (2) Any writing required by this chapter to be signed that is in an electronic medium shall
             86      be signed by digital signature in accordance with Title 46, Chapter 3, Utah Digital Signature Act.
             87          Section 5. Section 53-7-202 is amended to read:
             88           53-7-202. Definitions.
             89          As used in this part:


             90          (1) "Agricultural and wildlife fireworks" means a class C dangerous explosive that:
             91          (a) uses sound or light when deployed; and
             92          (b) is designated to prevent crop damage or unwanted animals from entering a specified
             93      area.
             94          (2) "Board" means the Utah Fire Prevention Board created in Section 53-7-203 .
             95          (3) "Class A explosive" means a class A explosive as defined by the U.S. Department of
             96      Transportation in Part 173, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
             97          (4) "Class B explosive" means a class B explosive as defined by the U.S. Department of
             98      Transportation in Part 173, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
             99          (5) "Class C explosive" means a class C explosive as defined by the U.S. Department of
             100      Transportation in Part 173, Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.
             101          (6) (a) "Class C common state approved explosive" means a class C explosive that is:
             102          (i) a cardboard or heavy paper cylindrical tube or cone that:
             103          (A) produces a shower of color and sparks that reach a maximum height of 15 feet;
             104          (B) may whistle or pop; and
             105          (C) is not designed to explode or leave the ground;
             106          (ii) a pyrotechnic wheel device that:
             107          (A) may be attached to a post or tree; and
             108          (B) contains up to six "driver" units or tubes;
             109          (iii) any device that:
             110          (A) spins, jumps, or emits popping sounds when placed on the ground;
             111          (B) does not exceed a height of 15 feet when discharged; and
             112          (C) does not travel laterally more than ten feet on a smooth surface when discharged;
             113          (iv) a morning glory, suzuki, or flitter sparkler; and
             114          (v) a single tube day type parachute that does not carry any flare or flame upon descent.
             115          (b) "Class C common state approved explosive" does not mean:
             116          (i) class C dangerous explosives; or
             117          (ii) exempt explosives.
             118          (7) (a) "Class C dangerous explosive" means a class C explosive that is:
             119          (i) a firecracker, cannon cracker, salute, cherry bomb, or other similar explosive;
             120          (ii) a skyrocket or any device other than a model rocket that uses combustible or explosive


             121      material and rises more than 15 feet when discharged;
             122          (iii) a roman candle or other device that discharges balls of fire over 15 feet in height;
             123          (iv) a tube or cone aerial firework that propels comets, shells, salutes, flash shells, or
             124      similar devices more than 15 feet into the air; and
             125          (v) a chaser, whistler, or other device that darts or travels more than ten feet laterally on
             126      a smooth surface or exceeds 15 feet in height when discharged.
             127          (b) A "Class C dangerous explosive" does not mean:
             128          (i) class C common state approved explosives; or
             129          (ii) exempt explosives.
             130          (8) "Display fireworks" means an aerial shell, salute, flash shell, comet, sky battle, mine,
             131      and any similar class C explosive or class B explosive.
             132          (9) (a) "Display operator" means the person who purchases and is responsible for setting
             133      up and discharging display fireworks.
             134          (b) "Display operator" does not mean a fire department.
             135          (10) "Exempt explosive" means a model rocket, toy pistol cap, emergency signal flare,
             136      snake or glow worm, party popper, trick noisemaker, match, and wire sparkler under 12 inches in
             137      length.
             138          (11) (a) "Fireworks" means:
             139          (i) class C explosives;
             140          (ii) class C dangerous explosives; and
             141          (iii) class C common state approved explosives.
             142          (b) "Fireworks" does not mean:
             143          (i) exempt explosives;
             144          (ii) class A explosives; and
             145          (iii) class B explosives.
             146          (12) "Importer" means a person who brings class B or class C explosives into Utah for the
             147      general purpose of resale within the state or exportation to other states.
             148          (13) (a) "Pyrotechnic" means any composition or device manufactured or used to produce
             149      a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation.
             150          (b) "Pyrotechnic" does not mean exempt explosives.
             151          (14) "Retail seller" means a person who sells class C common state approved explosives


             152      to the public during the period authorized under Section 53-7-225 .
             153          (15) "State-fire code" means a nationally recognized fire code adopted by the Utah Fire
             154      Prevention Board pursuant to Section 53-7-204 .
             155          [(15)] (16) "Trick noisemaker" includes a:
             156          (a) tube or sphere containing pyrotechnic composition that produces a white or colored
             157      smoke as its primary effect when ignited; and
             158          (b) device that produces a small report intended to surprise the user, including a:
             159          (i) "booby trap," which is a small tube with a string protruding from both ends that ignites
             160      the friction sensitive composition in the tube when the string is pulled;
             161          (ii) "snapper," which is a small paper-wrapped device containing a minute quantity of
             162      explosive composition coated on bits of sand that explodes producing a small report;
             163          (iii) "trick match," which is a kitchen or book match coated with a small quantity of
             164      explosive or pyrotechnic composition that produces a small shower of sparks when ignited;
             165          (iv) "cigarette load," which is a small wooden peg coated with a small quantity of
             166      explosive composition that produces a small report when the cigarette is ignited; and
             167          (v) "auto burglar alarm," which is a tube that:
             168          (A) contains pyrotechnic composition that produces a loud whistle and smoke when
             169      ignited;
             170          (B) may contain a small quantity of explosive to produce a small explosive noise; and
             171          (C) is ignited by a squib.
             172          [(16)] (17) "Unclassified fireworks" means any of the following:
             173          (a) a pyrotechnic device that is used, given away, or offered for sale, that has not been
             174      tested, approved, and classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation;
             175          (b) an approved device that has been altered or redesigned since obtaining approval by the
             176      U.S. Department of Transportation;
             177          (c) a pyrotechnic device that is being tested by a manufacturer, importer, or wholesaler
             178      before receiving approval by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
             179          [(17)] (18) "Wholesaler" means any of the following:
             180          (a) a person who sells class C common state approved explosives to a retailer;
             181          (b) a person who sells class B explosives or class C dangerous explosives for display use.
             182          Section 6. Section 53-7-203 is amended to read:


             183           53-7-203. Utah Fire Prevention Board -- Creation -- Members -- Terms -- Selection
             184      of chair and officers -- Quorum -- Meetings -- Compensation -- Division's duty to implement
             185      board rules.
             186          (1) There is created within the division the Utah Fire Prevention Board.
             187          (2) The board shall be nonpartisan and be composed of ten members appointed by the
             188      governor as follows:
             189          (a) a city or county official;
             190          (b) a licensed architect;
             191          (c) a licensed engineer;
             192          (d) a member of the Utah State Firemen's Association;
             193          (e) the state forester;
             194          (f) the commissioner of the Labor Commission or the commissioner's designee;
             195          (g) a member of the Utah State Fire Chiefs Association;
             196          (h) a member of the Utah Fire Marshal's Association;
             197          (i) a building inspector; and
             198          (j) a citizen appointed at large.
             199          (3) (a) Except as required by Subsection (3)(b), as terms of current board members expire,
             200      the governor shall appoint each new member or reappointed member to a four-year term.
             201          (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(a), the governor shall, at the time
             202      of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of board
             203      members are staggered so that approximately half of the board is appointed every two years.
             204          (4) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
             205      appointed for the unexpired term.
             206          (5) A member whose term has expired may continue to serve until a replacement is
             207      appointed pursuant to Subsection (3).
             208          [(5)] (6) The board shall select from its members a chair and other officers as the board
             209      finds necessary.
             210          [(6)] (7) A majority of the members of the board is a quorum.
             211          [(7)] (8) The board shall hold regular semiannual meetings for the transaction of its
             212      business at a time and place to be fixed by the board and shall hold other meetings as necessary
             213      for proper transaction of business.


             214          [(8)] (9) (a) (i) Members who are not government employees shall receive no
             215      compensation or benefits for their services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the
             216      performance of the member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance
             217      under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             218          (ii) Members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
             219          (b) (i) State government officer and employee members who do not receive salary, per
             220      diem, or expenses from their agency for their service may receive per diem and expenses incurred
             221      in the performance of their official duties from the board at the rates established by the Division
             222      of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             223          (ii) State government officer and employee members may decline to receive per diem and
             224      expenses for their service.
             225          (c) (i) Local government members who do not receive salary, per diem, or expenses from
             226      the entity that they represent for their service may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the
             227      performance of their official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under
             228      Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             229          (ii) Local government members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their
             230      service.
             231          [(9)] (10) The division shall implement the rules of the board and perform all other duties
             232      delegated by the board.
             233          Section 7. Section 53-7-204 is amended to read:
             234           53-7-204. Duties of Utah Fire Prevention Board -- Local administrative duties.
             235          (1) The board shall:
             236          (a) make rules:
             237          (i) adopting a nationally recognized fire code and the specific edition of [the Uniform Fire
             238      Code] that fire code as the state fire code to be used as the standard;
             239          (ii) establishing minimum standards for the prevention of fire and for the protection of life
             240      and property against fire and panic in any:
             241          (A) publicly owned building, including all public and private schools, colleges, and
             242      university buildings;
             243          (B) building or structure used or intended for use as an asylum, a mental hospital, a
             244      hospital, a sanitarium, a home for the aged, an assisted living facility, a children's home or


             245      [institution] day care center, or any similar institutional type occupancy of any capacity; and
             246          (C) place of assemblage where 50 or more persons may gather together in a building,
             247      structure, tent, or room for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, instruction, or education;
             248          (iii) establishing safety and other requirements for placement and discharge of display
             249      fireworks based upon:
             250          (A) the specific edition of the [Uniform Fire Code] nationally recognized fire code selected
             251      by the board under Subsection (1)(a)(i); and
             252          (B) relevant publications of the National Fire Protection Association;
             253          (iv) establishing minimum safety standards for retail storage, handling, and sale of class
             254      C common state approved explosives;
             255          (v) defining methods to establish proof of competence to place and discharge display
             256      fireworks;
             257          (vi) for deputizing qualified persons to act as deputy fire marshals, and to secure special
             258      services in emergencies;
             259          (vii) implementing Sections 53-7-106 and 53-7-205 ;
             260          (viii) setting guidelines for use of funding; and
             261          (ix) establishing criteria for training and safety equipment grants for fire departments
             262      enrolled in firefighter certification;
             263          (b) recommend to the commissioner a state fire marshal;
             264          (c) develop policies under which the state fire marshal and his authorized representatives
             265      will perform;
             266          (d) provide for the employment of field assistants and other salaried personnel as required;
             267          (e) prescribe the duties of the state fire marshal and his authorized representatives;
             268          (f) establish a statewide fire prevention, fire education, and fire service training program
             269      in cooperation with the Board of Regents;
             270          (g) establish a statewide fire statistics program for the purpose of gathering fire data from
             271      all political subdivisions of the state;
             272          (h) establish a fire academy in accordance with Section 53-7-204.2 ;
             273          (i) coordinate the efforts of all people engaged in fire suppression in the state;
             274          (j) work aggressively with the local political subdivisions to reduce fire losses; and
             275          (k) regulate the sale and servicing of portable fire extinguishers and automatic fire


             276      suppression systems in the interest of safeguarding lives and property.
             277          (2) The board may incorporate in its rules by reference, in whole or in part, nationally
             278      recognized and readily available standards and codes pertaining to the protection of life and
             279      property from fire, explosion, or panic.
             280          (3) (a) The board may only make amendments to the [Uniform Fire Code] state fire code
             281      adopted under Subsection (1)(a)(i) in accordance with Section 53-7-205 .
             282          (b) The amendments may be applicable to the entire state or within a city, county, or fire
             283      protection district.
             284          (4) The following functions shall be administered locally by a city, county, or fire
             285      protection district:
             286          (a) issuing permits, including open burning permits pursuant to Sections 11-7-1 and
             287      19-2-114 ;
             288          (b) creating a local board of appeals in accordance with [Section 2.303 of the Uniform Fire
             289      Code] the state fire code; and
             290          (c) establishing, modifying, or deleting fire flow and water supply requirements.
             291          Section 8. Section 53-7-204.2 is amended to read:
             292           53-7-204.2. Fire Academy -- Establishment -- Fire Academy Support Fund --
             293      Funding.
             294          (1) In this section:
             295          (a) "Account" means the Fire Academy Support Account created in Subsection (4).
             296          (b) "Property insurance premium" has the same meaning as provided in Section
             297      31A-1-301 .
             298          (2) The board shall:
             299          (a) establish a fire academy that:
             300          (i) provides instruction and training for paid, volunteer, institutional, and industrial
             301      firefighters;
             302          (ii) develops new methods of firefighting and fire prevention;
             303          (iii) provides training for fire and arson detection and investigation;
             304          (iv) provides public education programs to promote fire safety;
             305          (v) provides for certification of firefighters, pump operators, instructors, and officers; and
             306          (vi) provides facilities for teaching fire-fighting skills;


             307          (b) establish a cost recovery fee in accordance with Section 63-38-3.2 for training
             308      commercially employed firefighters; and
             309          (c) request funding for the academy.
             310          (3) The board may:
             311          (a) accept gifts, donations, and grants of property and services on behalf of the fire
             312      academy; and
             313          (b) enter into contractual agreements necessary to facilitate establishment of the school.
             314          (4) (a) To provide a funding source for the academy, there is created in the General Fund
             315      a restricted account known as the Fire Academy Support Account.
             316          (b) The following revenue shall be deposited in the account to implement this section:
             317          (i) the percentage specified in Subsection (5) of the annual tax for each year that is levied,
             318      assessed, and collected under Title 59, Chapter 9, Taxation of Admitted Insurers, upon property
             319      insurance premiums and as applied to fire and allied lines insurance collected by insurance
             320      companies within the state;
             321          (ii) the percentage specified in Subsection (6) of all money assessed and collected upon
             322      life insurance premiums within the state;
             323          (iii) the cost recovery fees established by the board;
             324          (iv) gifts, donations, and grants of property on behalf of the fire academy; and
             325          (v) appropriations made by the Legislature.
             326          (5) The percentage of the tax specified in Subsection (4)(b)(i) to be deposited in the
             327      account [in] each fiscal year[:] is 25%.
             328          [(a) 1993-94 is 6.25%;]
             329          [(b) 1994-95 is 12.5%;]
             330          [(c) 1995-96 is 18.75%; and]
             331          [(d) 1996-97 and subsequent fiscal years is 25%.]
             332          (6) The percentage of the money specified in Subsection (4)(b)(ii) to be deposited in the
             333      account [in] each fiscal year[:] is 5%.
             334          [(a) 1993-94 is 1.25%;]
             335          [(b) 1994-95 is 2.5%;]
             336          [(c) 1995-96 is 3.75%; and]
             337          [(d) 1996-97 and subsequent fiscal years is 5%. ]


             338          Section 9. Section 53-7-205 is amended to read:
             339           53-7-205. State fire code amendments -- Board duties and responsibilities.
             340          (1) The board shall receive from a city, county, or fire protection district requests for
             341      amendments to the [Uniform Fire Code] state fire code.
             342          (2) The division or the board on its own initiative may make recommendations to the
             343      division for amendments to the [Uniform Fire Code] state fire code.
             344          (3) (a) Within 45 days after receipt of a request or recommendation concerning an
             345      amendment, the board shall direct the division to convene an informal hearing concerning the
             346      amendment.
             347          (b) The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the rules of the board.
             348          (c) The board shall decide to accept, modify, or reject the amendment.
             349          (4) Within 15 days following the completion of the hearing, the board shall direct the
             350      division to [notify] send written notification, in a form prescribed by the board, to the city, county,
             351      or fire protection district of its decision [in writing].
             352          (5) The board shall make rules incorporating the amendments accepted or modified under
             353      Subsection (3).
             354          Section 10. Section 53-7-209 is amended to read:
             355           53-7-209. Inspection of buildings by officials.
             356          (1) A fire chief or officer may enter any building or premises not used as a private dwelling
             357      at any reasonable hour to inspect the building or premises and enforce the rules made under this
             358      part, including the [Uniform Fire Code] state fire code adopted under Section 53-7-204 .
             359          (2) The owner, lessee, manager, or operator of any building or premises not used as a
             360      private dwelling shall permit inspections under this section.
             361          Section 11. Section 53-7-210 is amended to read:
             362           53-7-210. Fire investigations by local officers -- Notification to division.
             363          (1) The chief fire officer of any city, town, or county fire department, or of any fire district
             364      or special service district organized for fire protection purposes, or his authorized representative
             365      shall investigate the cause, origin, and circumstances of each fire occurring in his jurisdiction when
             366      property has been destroyed or damaged.
             367          (2) The fire officer shall:
             368          (a) begin the investigation immediately after the occurrence of the fire; and


             369          (b) attempt to determine, among other things, whether the fire was the result of
             370      carelessness or of design.
             371          (3) If the fire officer making this investigation determines that the fire appears to be [of]
             372      suspicious [or incendiary], or of unknown origin [he shall immediately], the officer may notify the
             373      division to request assistance.
             374          Section 12. Section 53-7-304 is amended to read:
             375           53-7-304. Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board -- Creation -- Composition -- Appointment
             376      -- Terms of officers -- Meetings -- Compensation.
             377          (1) (a) There is created within the division the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board.
             378          (b) The board is composed of seven members:
             379          (i) two Utah fire chiefs or marshals;
             380          (ii) two members of the general public; and
             381          (iii) three members who are representatives of the LPG industry.
             382          (2) The fire chiefs or marshals and the members of the general public shall be appointed
             383      by the governor, on a nonpartisan basis.
             384          (3) Members of the board who are representatives of the LPG industry shall have been
             385      legal residents of the state for at least one year immediately preceding the date of appointment and
             386      have been actively engaged in the LPG industry for a period of at least five years.
             387          (4) The LPG industry representatives shall be appointed by the governor from a list of at
             388      least five but no more than the 12 nominees receiving the largest number of votes according to
             389      written ballots executed by representatives of the licensees under Subsection (7).
             390          (5) (a) Except as required by Subsection (5)(b), as terms of current board members expire,
             391      the governor shall appoint each new member or reappointed member to a four-year term.
             392          (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (5)(a), the governor shall, at the time
             393      of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of board
             394      members are staggered so that approximately half of the board is appointed every two years.
             395          (c) Members serve from the date of appointment until a replacement is appointed.
             396          (6) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
             397      appointed for the unexpired term.
             398          (7) (a) The balloting of licensees shall be conducted by the division.
             399          (b) For the appointments, the division shall forward to each licensee by registered or


             400      certified United States mail an official ballot for each staffed plant or facility held under Section
             401      53-7-309 , with instructions for executing the ballot and returning it to the division.
             402          (8) (a) The board shall elect its own chair and vice chair at its first regular meeting each
             403      calendar year.
             404          (b) All meetings of the board shall be held on a prescribed date, at least quarterly, and at
             405      any time a majority of the board members [makes] sends a request [in writing] to the board chair.
             406          (c) [Any five members constitute] A majority of the members of the board is a quorum for
             407      the transaction of business.
             408          (9) (a) (i) Members who are not government employees shall receive no compensation or
             409      benefits for their services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of
             410      the member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections
             411      63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             412          (ii) Members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
             413          (b) (i) State government officer and employee members who do not receive salary, per
             414      diem, or expenses from their agency for their service may receive per diem and expenses incurred
             415      in the performance of their official duties from the board at the rates established by the Division
             416      of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             417          (ii) State government officer and employee members may decline to receive per diem and
             418      expenses for their service.
             419          Section 13. Section 53-7-305 is amended to read:
             420           53-7-305. Board rulemaking -- Notice.
             421          (1) (a) The board shall make rules as reasonably necessary for the protection of the health,
             422      welfare, and safety of the public and persons using LPG.
             423          (b) The rules shall be in substantial conformity with the generally accepted standards of
             424      safety concerning LPG, and shall include the following conditions:
             425          (i) the rules relating to safety in the storage, distribution, dispensing, transporting, and use
             426      of LPG in this state and in the manufacture, fabrication, assembly, sale, installation, and use of
             427      LPG systems, containers, apparatus, or appliances shall be reasonable; and
             428          (ii) the rules shall conform as nearly as possible to the standards of the National Fire
             429      Protection Association, relating to the design, construction, installation, and use of systems,
             430      containers, apparatus, appliances, and pertinent equipment for the storage, transportation,


             431      dispensation, and use of LPG.
             432          (2) The board may make rules:
             433          (a) setting minimum general standards covering the design, construction, location,
             434      installation, and operation of equipment for storing, handling, transporting by tank truck or tank
             435      trailer, or using LPG;
             436          (b) specifying the odorization of the gases and the degree of odorization;
             437          (c) governing LPG distributors and installers and the installation of LPG systems,
             438      carburetion systems, and fueling systems; and
             439          (d) prescribing maximum container removal rates.
             440          (3) (a) When a proposed rule is filed, the board shall give at least ten days' notice to all
             441      license applicants and licensees under this chapter by [mailing] sending a notice of the proposed
             442      new, revised, or amended rule together with a notice of hearing to the licensee's current address
             443      on file with the board.
             444          (b) Any person affected by rulemaking under this part may submit [written] comment, in
             445      a format prescribed by the board, on the rule.
             446          (c) A certificate citing the adoption and the effective date of a rule shall be signed by the
             447      members comprising a majority of the board.
             448          (d) Within ten days after the adoption of the rule, the board shall [cause to be mailed] send
             449      to each license applicant or licensee, at his current address on file, a notice of the adoption of the
             450      rule, including its effective date.
             451          (e) A facsimile of any member's signature may be used under this section if authorized by
             452      the member.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 1-24-00 5:12 PM


A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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