SPRINGFIELD — The General Assembly has approved a measure proposed by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, requiring anyone installing a sprinkler system for a lawn in Illinois to have a licensed plumber hired for inspection.
House Bill 4245 requires irrigation contractors have their work looked over by a state-licensed plumber or face a $10,000 fine. The legislation also says the inspecting licensed plumber shall make the physical connection between a lawn sprinkler system and the backflow prevention device.
The measure requires a state-licensed plumber to do the hookup on a sprinkler system because of the potential for sewage leaks and other toxins being released accidentally.
State Rep. Steven Reick, R-Woodstock, said the state should not be involved in lawn sprinkler decisions.
“I believe this is another instance where the government is being brought into the mix by people who are commonly referred to as rent-seekers,” Reick said. “I think what we got is a little cabal of people who have theirs and do not want anyone else to come in and play on their playing field.”
Hoffman said the bill is similar to current Illinois law.
“What this simply does is clarify that an inspecting licensed plumber must inspect every aspect of the sprinkler system,” he said. “Under current law, a licensed plumber must also inspect the sprinkler system, so we are just clarifying what needs to happen.”
The bill now waits to be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for a signature or veto.
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January 9, 2023 at 10:05PM
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