225 ILCS 217/ Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Regulation Act of 2011.

(225 ILCS 217/1)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Regulation Act of 2011.

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11.)

(225 ILCS 217/5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Employee" means a licensee or a person who is currently employed by a fire equipment distributor licensed under this Act whose full or part-time duties include servicing, recharging, hydrotesting, installing, maintaining, or inspecting fire equipment.

"Fire equipment" means any portable or fixed fire extinguishing device or system other than a fire sprinkler system under the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act.

"Fire equipment distributor" means any person, company or corporation that services, recharges, hydrotests, inspects, installs, maintains, alters, repairs, replaces, or services fire equipment for customers, clients, or other third parties.

"ICC" means the International Code Council.

"NAFED" means the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors.

"NFPA" means the National Fire Protection Association.

"NICET" means the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.

"Office" or "State Fire Marshal" means the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

"Person" means a natural person or any company, corporation, or other business entity.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 10. License requirement; injunction; cease and desist order.

(a) No person shall act as a fire equipment distributor or employee, or advertise or assume to act as such, or use any title implying that such person is engaged in such practice or occupation unless licensed by the State Fire Marshal.

No firm, association, or corporation shall act as an agency licensed under this Act, or advertise or assume to act as such, or use any title implying that the firm, association, or corporation is engaged in such practice, unless licensed by the State Fire Marshal.

(b) The State Fire Marshal, in the name of the People and through the Attorney General, the State's Attorney of any county, any interested resident of the State, or any interested legal entity within the State, may petition the court with appropriate jurisdiction for an order seeking injunctive relief to enjoin from practicing a licensed activity in violation of this Act any person, firm, association, or corporation who has not been issued a license, or whose license has been suspended, revoked, or not renewed. If any person, firm, association, or corporation holds itself out as being a licensee under this Act and is not licensed to do so, then any licensee, interested party, or any person injured thereby may petition for relief as provided in this Section. Upon the filing of a verified complaint, a copy shall be served upon the defendant and the proceedings shall thereafter be conducted as in other civil cases. The court with appropriate jurisdiction may issue a temporary restraining order without notice or bond. If it is established that the defendant has been or is practicing in violation of this Act, the court may enter a judgment permanently enjoining the defendant from such further activity. In case of violation of any injunctive order or judgment entered under the provisions of this Section, the court may summarily try and punish the offender for contempt of court. Such injunctive proceeding shall be in addition to all penalties and other remedies in this Act.

(c) The Office may issue a cease and desist order to any licensee or other person doing business without the required license, when, in the opinion of the Office, the licensee or other person is violating or is about to violate any provision of this Act or any rule or requirement imposed in writing by the Office. The cease and desist order shall specify the activity or activities that the Office is seeking the licensee or other person doing business without the required license to cease and desist.

The cease and desist order permitted by this Section may be issued prior to a hearing.

The Office shall serve a notice of the Office's action, including, but not limited to, a statement of reasons for the action, either personally or by certified mail, and a return receipt requested. Service by certified mail shall be deemed completed (i) when the notice is deposited in the United States mail, received, or delivery is refused or (ii) one business day after the United States Postal Service has attempted delivery, whichever is earlier.

Within 10 days after service of a cease and desist order, the licensee or other person may request, in writing, a hearing. The Office shall schedule a hearing within 30 days after the request for a hearing unless otherwise agreed to by the parties.

If it is determined that the Office has the authority to issue the cease and desist order, the Office may issue the order as reasonably necessary to correct, eliminate, or remedy the conduct.

Any person in violation of a cease and desist order entered by the State Fire Marshal shall be subject to all of the remedies provided by law and, in addition, shall be subject to a civil penalty payable to the party injured by the violation.

The powers vested in the Office by this Section are additional to any and all other powers and remedies vested in the Office by law, and nothing in this Section shall be construed as requiring the Office to employ the power conferred in this Section instead of or as a condition precedent to the exercise of any other power or remedy vested in the Office.

The licensee, or other person doing business without the required license, shall pay the actual costs of the hearing.

(d) The State Fire Marshal may refuse to issue a license to, or may suspend the license of, any person or business entity that is not in good standing with the Department of Revenue until the person or business entity is in good standing with the Department of Revenue.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/14)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 14. Home rule. A home rule unit may not regulate the service of fire equipment in a manner less restrictive than the regulation by the State on the service of fire equipment under this Act. This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/15)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 15. Exemptions.

(a) This Act shall not apply to an officer or employee of this State or the fire department or fire protection district of any political subdivision of this State while such officer or employee is engaged in the performance of his or her official duties within the course and scope of his or her employment with this State, or any political subdivision. However, any such person who offers his or her services as a private fire equipment distributor or employee, or any title where similar services are performed for compensation, fee, or other valuable consideration, whether received directly or indirectly, shall be subject to this Act and its licensing requirements.

(b) Any person who engages in hydrostatic testing of fire equipment but does not service, recharge, install, maintain, or inspect such equipment shall not be required to be licensed under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11.)

(225 ILCS 217/20)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 20. Deposit of fees and fines. All fees and fines collected under this Act shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/25)

Sec. 25. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11. Repealed by P.A. 97-979, eff. 8-17-12.)

(225 ILCS 217/30)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 30. Rules; report.

(a) The State Fire Marshal shall adopt rules consistent with the provisions of this Act for the administration and enforcement thereof, and may prescribe forms that shall be issued in connection therewith. The rules shall include standards and criteria for registration, professional conduct, and discipline. The Office may, by rule, establish fees, including, but not limited to, license fees, reinstatement fees, and processing fees.

(b) (Blank).

(c) (Blank).

(d) In the adopting of rules relating to fire equipment distributors and employees, the State Fire Marshal shall be guided by the national fire safety standards and codes and fire equipment and facility standards and code, including, but not limited to, those adopted by the National Fire Protection Association and the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors.

(e) In the adopting of rules relating to the maintenance and operation of hydrostatic testing equipment and tools for all fire equipment distributors and employees, the State Fire Marshal shall be guided by the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation as set forth in Section 173.34(e)(1) of Title 49 of Code of Federal Regulations.

(f) The State Fire Marshal shall by rule establish procedures for a candidate for any class fire equipment employee license to work for a licensed fire equipment distributor for training.

(g) The rules adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal under the Fire Equipment Distributor and Employee Regulation Act of 2000 shall remain in effect until such time as the Office of the State Fire Marshal adopts rules under this Act.

(h) (Blank).

(i) Unless the Office adopts rules to the contrary, licenses issued before July 1, 2023 shall be valid for a period of one year and licenses issued on or after July 1, 2023 shall be valid for a period of 3 years.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/35)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 35. Personnel. The State Fire Marshal may employ, in conformity with the Personnel Code, such professional, technical, investigative, or clerical help, on either a full or part-time basis, as may be necessary for the enforcement of this Act.

An investigator may not hold an active license issued under this Act or have any fiduciary interest in any business licensed under this Act. This prohibition does not, however, prohibit an investigator from holding stock in a publicly-traded business licensed or regulated under this Act, provided that the investigator does not hold more than 5% of the stock in the business.

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11; 97-979, eff. 8-17-12.)

(225 ILCS 217/40)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 40. Qualifications for licensure; fees.

(a) No person shall engage in practice as a fire equipment distributor or fire equipment employee without first applying for and obtaining a license for that purpose from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

(b) To qualify for a Class A Fire Equipment Distributor License to service, recharge, hydro-test, install, maintain, or inspect all types of fire extinguishers, an applicant shall employ a currently licensed Class 1 Fire Equipment Employee and provide all of the following:

(1) A license fee as determined by rule.

(2) Evidence of current registration as an Illinois corporation or other business entity and, when applicable, evidence of compliance with the Assumed Business Name Act and a current list of officers.

(3) Evidence of financial responsibility in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 through liability insurance, self-insurance, group insurance, group self-insurance, or risk retention groups.

(3.5) Evidence of workers' compensation insurance covering its employees or approval as a self-insurer of workers' compensation in accordance with the laws of this State.

(4) Evidence of owning, leasing, renting, or having access to proper testing equipment that is in compliance with the national standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal for the maintenance and operation of testing tools for use with all Class A fire equipment.

(c) To qualify for a Class B Fire Equipment Distributor License to service, recharge, hydro-test, install, maintain, or inspect all types of pre-engineered fire extinguishing systems, an applicant shall employ a currently licensed Class 2K Fire Equipment Employee or Class 2I Fire Equipment Employee and provide all of the following:

(1) A license fee as determined by rule.

(2) Evidence of current registration as an Illinois corporation or other business entity and, when applicable, evidence of compliance with the Assumed Business Name Act and a current list of officers.

(3) Evidence of financial responsibility in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 through liability insurance, self-insurance, group insurance, group self-insurance, or risk retention groups.

(3.5) Evidence of workers' compensation insurance covering its employees or approval as a self-insurer of workers' compensation in accordance with the laws of this State.

(4) Evidence of owning, leasing, renting, or having access to proper testing equipment that is in compliance with the national standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal for the maintenance and operation of testing tools for use with all Class B fire equipment.

(d) To qualify for a Class C Fire Equipment Distributor License to service, repair, hydro-test, inspect, and engineer all types of engineered fire suppression systems, an applicant shall employ a currently licensed Class 3 Fire Equipment Employee and provide all of the following:

(1) A license fee as determined by rule.

(2) Evidence of current registration as an Illinois corporation or other business entity and, when applicable, evidence of compliance with the Assumed Business Name Act and a current list of officers.

(3) Evidence of financial responsibility in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 through liability insurance, self-insurance, group insurance, group self-insurance, or risk retention groups.

(3.5) Evidence of workers' compensation insurance covering its employees or approval as a self-insurer of workers' compensation in accordance with the laws of this State.

(4) Evidence of owning, leasing, renting, or having access to proper testing equipment that is in compliance with the national standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal for the maintenance and operation of testing tools for use with all Class C fire equipment.

(e) To qualify for a Class 1 Fire Equipment Employee License to service, recharge, hydro-test, install, maintain, or inspect all types of fire extinguishers, a candidate shall complete all of the following:

(1) Current certification by ICC or NAFED in Portable Fire Extinguishers.

(2) Pay a license fee as determined by rule.

(3) Provide a digital color photograph of sufficient quality. A candidate who is 21 years of age or older seeking a religious exemption to this photograph requirement shall furnish with the application an approved copy of United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 4029. Regardless of age, a candidate seeking a religious exemption to this photograph requirement shall submit fingerprints in a form and manner prescribed by the State Fire Marshal with the application in lieu of a photograph.

(4) Provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo identification.

(f) To qualify for a Class 2I Fire Equipment Employee License to service, recharge, hydro-test, install, maintain, or inspect all types of pre-engineered industrial fire extinguishing systems, a candidate shall complete all of the following:

(1) Current certification by ICC or NAFED in Pre-Engineered Industrial Fire Suppression Systems.

(2) Pay a license fee as determined by rule.

(3) Provide a digital color photograph of sufficient quality. A candidate who is 21 years of age or older seeking a religious exemption to this photograph requirement shall furnish with the application an approved copy of United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 4029. Regardless of age, a candidate seeking a religious exemption to this photograph requirement shall submit fingerprints in a form and manner prescribed by the State Fire Marshal with the application in lieu of a photograph.

(4) Provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo identification.

(f-5) To qualify for a Class 2K Fire Equipment Employee License to service, recharge, hydro-test, install, maintain, or inspect all types of pre-engineered kitchen fire extinguishing systems, a candidate shall complete all of the following:

(1) Current certification by ICC or NAFED in Pre-Engineered Kitchen Fire Extinguishing Systems.

(2) Pay a license fee as determined by rule.

(3) Provide a digital color photograph of sufficient quality. A candidate who is 21 years of age or older seeking a religious exemption to this photograph requirement shall furnish with the application an approved copy of United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 4029. Regardless of age, a candidate seeking a religious exemption to this photograph requirement shall submit fingerprints in a form and manner prescribed by the State Fire Marshal with the application in lieu of a photograph.

(4) Provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo identification.

(g) To qualify for a Class 3 Fire Equipment Employee License to service, recharge, hydro-test, install, maintain, inspect, or engineer all types of engineered fire extinguishing systems, a candidate shall complete all of the following:

(1) Current certification by NAFED in Engineered Fire Suppression Systems or current NICET Level III certification in Special Hazards Systems.

(2) Pay a license fee as determined by rule.

(3) Provide a digital color photograph of sufficient quality. A candidate who is 21 years of age or older seeking a religious exemption to this photograph requirement shall furnish with the application an approved copy of United States Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 4029. Regardless of age, a candidate seeking a religious exemption to this photograph requirement shall submit fingerprints in a form and manner prescribed by the State Fire Marshal with the application in lieu of a photograph.

(4) Provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo identification.

(h) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/45)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 45. Applications. Each application for a license to practice under this Act shall be signed by the applicant on forms provided by the State Fire Marshal. Each application for a fire equipment distributor license shall be signed by an authorized officer of the fire equipment distributor. Each application for an employee license shall be signed by an authorized officer of the fire equipment distributor and by the candidate for the employee license.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/50)

Sec. 50. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11. Repealed by P.A. 97-979, eff. 8-17-12.)

(225 ILCS 217/55)

Sec. 55. (Repealed).

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11. Repealed by P.A. 97-979, eff. 8-17-12.)

(225 ILCS 217/60)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 60. Issuance of license; renewal.

(a) The Office shall, upon the applicant's satisfactory completion of the requirements authorized under this Act and upon receipt of the requisite fees, issue the appropriate license and certificate or wallet card, as applicable, showing the name and business location of the licensee, and the dates of issuance and expiration. For an employee license, the wallet card shall also contain a photograph of the licensee, unless the licensee has a religious exemption in accordance with Section 40.

(b) (Blank).

(c) An applicant for license renewal shall, at the time of renewal application, provide proof of qualifications for licensure under Section 40 for the respective license to the Office. Upon receipt of the requisite fees, the Office shall issue the license in accordance with subsection (a). The expiration date and renewal period for each license issued under this Act shall be set by rule. Failure to renew by the expiration date shall lapse the license. A lapsed license may not be renewed until a written application is filed, an applicant has demonstrated proof of qualifications for licensure, and the renewal fee is paid. If not renewed, a license shall become inactive following 60 days after the expiration date of the license. An inactive license may not be reinstated until a written application is filed, an applicant has demonstrated proof of qualifications for licensure, the renewal fee is paid, and the reinstatement fee is paid. A license may not be reinstated after one year from the expiration date of the license. Renewal and reinstatement fees shall be waived for persons who did not renew while on active duty in the military and who file for renewal or reinstatement within one year after discharge from such service.

(d) As a condition of renewal of a license, the State Fire Marshal may require the licensee to report information pertaining to the licensee's practice which the State Fire Marshal determines to be in the interest of public safety.

(e) All fees paid under this Act are non-refundable. This shall not preclude the State Fire Marshal from refunding accidental overpayment of fees.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/62)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 62. Notification of employment termination; automatic suspension of license.

(a) When employment of an employee licensee is terminated, whether voluntary or involuntary, the fire equipment distributor shall notify the Office, in a manner prescribed by the Office, of the termination within 5 business days. The failure to timely notify the Office of the termination shall subject the fire equipment distributor to discipline under this Act. The license of any employee licensee whose employment with a fire equipment distributor is terminated shall automatically become inactive immediately upon the termination, and the individual shall not be authorized to practice until the individual holds a valid employee license.

(b) Beginning July 1, 2023, if a licensee fails to meet the requirements of Section 40, the license shall automatically be suspended. A license suspended under this Section may be reinstated upon meeting the requirements of Section 40, submission of a reinstatement application, and payment of a reinstatement fee.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/65)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 65. Returned checks; notification of lapsed or inactive license. The Office may require that any person who on 2 or more occasions issues or delivers a check or other order to the Office that is not honored by the financial institution upon which it is drawn because of insufficient funds on account pay, in addition to the amount owing upon the check or other order, a fee of $50. The State Fire Marshal shall notify the licensee whose license has lapsed or become inactive, within 30 days after the discovery by the State Fire Marshal that the licensee is practicing without a current license, that the individual, person, or distributor is acting as a fire equipment distributor or employee, as the case may be, without a license, and the amount due to the State Fire Marshal, which shall include the renewal fee, reinstatement fee, and all other fees required in order to renew or reinstate the license.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/70)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 70. Change of address; display of license; duplicate license or certificate.

(a) A licensee shall report a change in home or office address within 10 days of when it occurs.

(b) Each licensee shall prominently display the license to practice at each place from which the practice is being performed. A fire equipment distributor licensee shall have a separate license for each business location within the State or outside the State if the business location is responsible for the performance of any applicable work under this Act performed within the State.

(c) If a license or certificate is lost, a duplicate shall be issued upon payment of the required fee to be established by the State Fire Marshal. If a licensee wishes to change the name on the license, the State Fire Marshal shall issue a license in the new name upon satisfactory proof that such change was done in accordance with law and upon payment of the fee as determined by rule.

(d) Each licensee shall permit the licensee's facilities to be inspected by representatives of the State Fire Marshal.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/75)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 75. Grounds for disciplinary sanctions. Licensees subject to this Act shall conduct their practice in accordance with this Act and with any rules adopted under this Act. The State Fire Marshal may refuse to issue or renew any license and it may suspend or revoke any license or may place on probation, censure, reprimand, or take other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the State Fire Marshal and enumerated in this Act, including the imposition of fines not to exceed $5,000 for each violation, with regard to any license issued under this Act for any one or more of the reasons enumerated in this Section. Any civil penalty assessed by the State Fire Marshal pursuant to this Act shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the civil penalty. The order shall constitute a judgment and may be filed and executed in the same manner as any judgment from any court of record.

Grounds for discipline under this Act are:

(1) fraud or material deception in obtaining or renewing of a license;

(2) professional incompetence as manifested by poor standards of service;

(3) engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public in the course of professional services or activities;

(4) conviction of any crime by a licensee that has a substantial relationship to his or her practice or an essential element of which is misstatement, fraud, or dishonesty, or conviction in this or another state of any crime that is a felony under the laws of Illinois or conviction of a felony in a federal court, unless the person demonstrates that he or she has been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust;

(5) performing any services in a grossly negligent manner or permitting any of his or her licensed employees to perform services in a grossly negligent manner, regardless of whether actual damage or damages to the public is established;

(6) (blank);

(7) directly or indirectly willfully receiving compensation for any professional services not actually rendered;

(8) having disciplinary action taken against his or her license in another state;

(9) making differential treatment against any person to his or her detriment because of race, color, creed, sex, religion, or national origin;

(10) engaging in unprofessional conduct;

(11) engaging in false or misleading advertising;

(12) contracting or assisting unlicensed persons to perform services for which a license is required under this Act;

(13) permitting the use of his or her license to enable any unlicensed person or agency to operate as a licensee;

(14) performing and charging for services without having authorization to do so from the member of the public being served;

(15) failure to comply with any provision of this Act or the rules adopted under this Act;

(16) conducting business regulated by this Act without a currently valid license; and

(17) engaging in any unethical or criminal activity incidental to activities within the scope of licensure.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/80)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 80. Complaints. All complaints concerning violations regarding licensees or unlicensed activity shall be received and logged by the State Fire Marshal.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/82)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 82. Investigations or records. The State Fire Marshal may investigate the actions or statements of any candidate or applicant or any person, firm, association, or corporation holding or claiming to hold a license under this Act. Before revoking, suspending, reprimanding, or taking any other disciplinary action permitted under this Act, the State Fire Marshal may issue a citation, refer the matter for prosecution, or institute formal charges as provided for in this Act.

All licensees under this Act shall maintain records of any service performed under this Act for a period of not less than 3 years. These records shall include, at minimum, the name and license number, if available, of any individual who performs service of fire equipment under this Act, the date of service, location of service, and class of fire equipment serviced.

A copy of all files, documents, records, data, or other information, including those that are electronically stored, relevant to the service of fire equipment under this Act or the activities of a licensee under this Act, shall be made available to the Office within 15 days of request by the Office, unless the Office agrees to an extension of that period.

The failure or refusal to make these records available shall be grounds for disciplinary action.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/83)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 83. Citations.

(a) The State Fire Marshal may adopt rules to permit the issuance of citations for certain violations of this Act or the rules adopted under this Act. The citation shall be issued to the licensee or other person doing business without the required license and shall contain the person's name and address, the licensee's license number, if applicable, a brief factual statement, the Sections of the law or rules allegedly violated, and the penalty imposed. The citation must clearly state that the person may choose, in lieu of accepting the citation, to request a hearing to appeal the citation. The citation shall not provide a hearing date less than 30 days after the citation's issuance date. Any dispute filed by the person with the State Fire Marshal shall comply with the requirements for a written answer set forth in subsection (a) of Section 85 of this Act. If the person does not file a written appeal of the citation with the State Fire Marshal within 20 days after the citation is served, then the citation shall become a final order and shall constitute discipline. The penalty shall be a fine or other conditions as established by rule.

(b) The State Fire Marshal shall adopt rules designating violations for which a citation may be issued, which may specify separate hearing procedures for appeals of the citations so long as the hearing procedures are not inconsistent with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(c) (Blank).

(d) Service of a citation may be made by personal service or certified mail to the licensee or other person doing business without the required license at the person's last known address.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/85)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 85. Formal charges.

(a) Before revoking, suspending, annulling, withdrawing, amending materially, or refusing to renew any valid license, the State Fire Marshal shall file formal charges against the licensee. The formal charges shall, at a minimum, inform the licensee of the facts that make up the basis of the charge and that are specific enough to enable the licensee to defend himself.

(b) Each licensee whose conduct is the subject of a formal charge that seeks to impose disciplinary action against the licensee shall be served notice of said formal charge at least 30 days before the date of the hearing, which shall be presided over by a hearing officer authorized by the State Fire Marshal. Service shall be considered to have been given if the notice was personally received by the licensee or if the notice was sent by certified mail, return receipt requested to the licensee at the licensee's last known address, as listed with the State Fire Marshal.

(c) The notice of formal charges shall consist at a minimum of the following information:

(1) the time, place, and date of the hearing;

(2) that the licensee shall appear personally at the hearing and may be represented by counsel;

(3) that the licensee shall have the right to produce witnesses and evidence on the licensee's behalf and shall have the right to cross-examine witnesses and refute evidence produced against the licensee;

(4) that the hearing could result in disciplinary action being taken against the license;

(5) that rules for the conduct of these hearings exist and it may be in the licensee's best interest to obtain a copy;

(6) that a hearing officer authorized by the State Fire Marshal shall preside at the hearing and following the conclusion of said hearing shall make findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations, separately stated, to the State Fire Marshal as to what disciplinary action, if any, should be imposed on the licensee;

(7) that the State Fire Marshal may continue such hearing;

(8) that the licensee shall file a written answer to the charges with the State Fire Marshal under oath within 20 days after service of the notice; and

(9) that if the accused fails to answer, a default judgment shall be taken against him, her, or it, or that his, her, or its license may be suspended, revoked, placed on probationary status, or subject to other disciplinary action as the State Fire Marshal deems proper, without a hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for such action under this Act.

(d) The hearing officer authorized by the State Fire Marshal shall hear evidence produced in support of the formal charges and contrary evidence produced by the licensee, if any. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall make findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations, separately stated, and submit them to the State Fire Marshal and to all parties to the proceeding. Submission to the licensee shall be considered as having been made if done in a similar fashion as service of the notice of formal charges. Within 20 days after such service, any party to the proceeding may present to the State Fire Marshal a motion, in writing, for a rehearing which written motion shall specify the particular grounds therefor.

(e) The State Fire Marshal, following the time allowed for filing a motion for rehearing, shall review the hearing officer's findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations, and any motions filed subsequent thereto. After review of such information the State Fire Marshal may hear oral arguments and thereafter shall issue an order. The report of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations of the hearing officer shall be the basis for the State Fire Marshal's order. If the State Fire Marshal finds that substantial justice was not done, he or she may issue an order in contravention of the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommendations of the hearing officer. The finding is not admissible in evidence against the person in criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act, but the hearing and findings are not a bar to a criminal prosecution brought for the violation of this Act.

(f) All proceedings under this Section are matters of public record and shall be preserved.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/90)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 90. Disciplinary sanctions; hearings.

(a) The State Fire Marshal shall impose any of the following sanctions, singly or in combination, when he or she finds that a licensee is guilty of any offense described in Section 75:

(1) revocation;

(2) suspension for any period of time;

(3) reprimand or censure;

(4) (blank);

(5) refusal to issue, renew, or reinstate;

(6) (blank); or

(7) imposition of a fine not to exceed $5,000 for each violation of this Act or the rules adopted under this Act.

(b) The State Fire Marshal may summarily suspend a license under this Act, without a hearing, simultaneously with the filing of a formal complaint and notice for a hearing provided under this Section if the State Fire Marshal finds that the continued operations of the individual would constitute an immediate danger to the public. In the event the State Fire Marshal suspends a license under this subsection, a hearing by the hearing officer designated by the State Fire Marshal shall begin within 20 days after such suspension begins, unless continued at the request of the licensee.

(c) Disposition may be made of any formal complaint by consent order between the State Fire Marshal and the licensee.

(d) The State Fire Marshal shall reinstate any license to good standing under this Act, upon recommendation to the State Fire Marshal, after a hearing before the hearing officer authorized by the State Fire Marshal. The State Fire Marshal shall be satisfied that the applicant's renewed practice is not contrary to the public interest.

(e) (Blank).

(f) (Blank).

(g) The State Fire Marshal shall seek to achieve consistency in the application of the foregoing sanctions and consent orders and significant departure from prior decisions involving similar conduct shall be explained in the State Fire Marshal's orders.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/95)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 95. Witnesses; record of proceedings.

(a) The State Fire Marshal has the power to subpoena and bring before it any person in this State and to take testimony either orally or by deposition, or both, with the same fees and mileage and in the same manner as is prescribed by law for judicial proceedings in civil cases. The State Fire Marshal and the hearing officer approved by the State Fire Marshal have the power to administer oaths at any hearing that the State Fire Marshal is authorized to conduct.

(b) Any circuit court, upon the application of the licensee or the State Fire Marshal, may order the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books and papers in any hearing under this Act. The court may compel obedience to its order by proceedings for contempt.

(c) The State Fire Marshal, at its expense, shall provide a stenographer or a mechanical recording device to record the testimony and preserve a record of all proceedings at the hearing of any case wherein a license may be revoked, suspended, or placed on probationary status or other disciplinary action taken with regard to the license. The notice of hearing, complaint, and all other documents in the nature of pleadings and written motions filed in the proceedings, the transcript of testimony, the report of the hearing officer, and the orders of the State Fire Marshal constitute the record of such proceedings. The State Fire Marshal shall furnish a transcript of the record to any interested person upon payment of the costs of copying and transmitting the record.

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11.)

(225 ILCS 217/100)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 100. Judicial review. All final administrative decisions of the State Fire Marshal are subject to judicial review under the provisions of the Administrative Review Law and the rules adopted under this Act. Such proceedings for judicial review shall be commenced in the circuit court of the county in which the party applying for review resides. If the party applying for review is not a resident of Illinois, the venue shall be in Sangamon County. The State Fire Marshal shall not be required to certify any record to the court or file any answer in court or otherwise appear in any court in a judicial review proceeding, unless there is filed in the court with the complaint a receipt from the State Fire Marshal acknowledging payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record which costs shall be computed at the cost of preparing such record. Exhibits shall be certified without cost. Failure on the part of the licensee to file the receipt in court shall be grounds for dismissal of the action. During all judicial proceedings incident to the disciplinary action, the sanctions imposed upon the accused by the State Fire Marshal shall remain in effect, unless the court feels justice requires a stay of the Order.

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11.)

(225 ILCS 217/105)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 105. Order; prima facie proof. An order of revocation, suspension, placing the license on probationary status or other formal disciplinary action as the State Fire Marshal may deem proper, or a certified copy thereof, over the seal of the State Fire Marshal and purporting to be signed by the State Fire Marshal, is prima facie proof that:

(1) the signature is that of the State Fire Marshal;

(2) the State Fire Marshal is qualified to act; and

(3) the hearing officer is qualified to act on behalf of the State Fire Marshal.

Such proof may be rebutted.

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11.)

(225 ILCS 217/110)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 110. Surrender of license. Upon the suspension or revocation of a license issued under this Act, a licensee shall surrender the license to the State Fire Marshal and, upon failure to do so, the State Fire Marshal shall seize the same.

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11.)

(225 ILCS 217/115)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 115. Publication of records. The State Fire Marshal shall, upon request, publish a list of the names and addresses of all fire equipment distributor licensees and the names of all fire equipment employee licensees under the provisions of this Act. The State Fire Marshal shall publish a list of all persons whose licenses have been disciplined within one year, and a quarterly list of each individual who was denied employment status because of a criminal history, together with such other information as it may deem of interest to the public.

(Source: P.A. 102-715, eff. 4-29-22.)

(225 ILCS 217/120)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 120. Criminal penalties.

(a) Any person who violates any of the following provisions shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense:

(1) the practice of or attempted practice as a fire equipment distributor or employee without a license;

(2) the obtaining of or the attempting to obtain a license, practice, or business or any other thing of value by fraudulent representation;

(3) permitting, directing, or authorizing any person in one's employ or under one's direction or supervision to work or serve as a licensee if that individual does not possess an appropriate valid license.

(b) Whenever any person is punished as a repeat offender under this Section, the State Fire Marshal may proceed to obtain a permanent injunction against the person under Section 10.

(c) If any person in making an oath or affidavit required by this Act swears falsely, that person is guilty of perjury and upon conviction thereof, may be punished accordingly.

(d) A person who violates any Section of this Act other than this Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense.

A second or subsequent offense in violation of any Section of this Act, including this Section, is a Class 4 felony.

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11.)

(225 ILCS 217/900)

Sec. 900. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted).

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11; text omitted.)

(225 ILCS 217/999)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2028)

Sec. 999. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.

(Source: P.A. 96-1499, eff. 1-18-11.)