Illinois Fire Protection Licensing Law

Illinois Code · 18 sections

The following is the full text of Illinois’s fire protection licensing law statutes as published in the Illinois Code. For the official version, see the Illinois Legislature.

225 ILCS 317/10

(225 ILCS 317/10) Sec. 10. Definitions. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires: "Designated certified person" means an individual who has met the qualifications set forth under Section 20. "Fire protection system layout documents" means layout drawings, catalog information on standard products, and other construction data that provide detail on the location of risers, cross mains, branch lines, sprinklers, piping per applicable standard, and hanger locations. "Fire protection system layout documents" serve as a guide for fabrication and installation of a fire sprinkler system and shall be based upon applicable standards pursuant to Section 30. "Fire sprinkler contractor" means a person who holds himself or herself out to be in the business of providing service for a fire sprinkler system or contracts with a person to provide service for a fire sprinkler system. "Fire sprinkler contractor license" means a license issued to a qualified fire sprinkler contractor. "Fire sprinkler inspector" means an individual who is qualified to perform routine inspection or testing of fire sprinkler systems pursuant to Section 17 and who is employed by a single fire sprinkler contractor at a time to perform fire sprinkler inspections. "Fire sprinkler inspector license" means a license issued to a qualified fire sprinkler inspector. "Fire sprinkler system" means any water-based automatic fire extinguishing system employing fire sprinklers, including accessory fire pumps and associated piping, fire standpipes, or underground fire main systems starting at the connection to the water service after the approved backflow device is installed under the requirements of the Illinois Plumbing Code and ending at the most remote fire sprinkler. "Fire sprinkler system" includes but is not limited to a fire sprinkler system in a residential, commercial, institutional, educational, public, or private occupancy. "Fire sprinkler system" does not include single sprinkler heads that are in a loop of the potable water system, as referenced in 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890.1130 and 890.1200. "Licensee" means a person or business organization licensed in accordance with this Act. "NICET" means the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. "Office" means the Office of the State Fire Marshal. "Person" means an individual, group of individuals, association, trust, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, firm, business, person doing business under an assumed name, the State of Illinois, or department thereof, any other state-owned and operated institution, or any other entity. "Responsible managing employee" means the individual designated by the fire sprinkler contractor that is not required to have a designated certified person under Section 120. "Routine inspection or testing" means inspection or testing to verify the condition of an existing fire sprinkler system at predetermined intervals in accordance with the standards of the National Fire Protection Association. "Rules" means the rules adopted pursuant to this Act. "Service" means work on a fire sprinkler system, including, but not limited to, installation, repair, inspection, testing, and maintenance, within the scope of this Act. "Standards" means those standards or codes referenced in this Act or its rules. "Supervision" means the direction and management by a designated certified person or responsible managing employee of the activities of non-certified personnel in the service of fire sprinkler systems.(Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21; 103-761, eff. 1-1-25.)

225 ILCS 317/120

(225 ILCS 317/120) Sec. 120. Grandfather clause. Any person or business that, as of January 3, 2003 was installing or repairing fire sprinkler systems in the State of Illinois and had a minimum of 3 years of experience in installing or repairing fire sprinkler systems before January 3, 2003 is exempt from having a designated certified person as required in Section 20. A fire sprinkler contractor that is exempt from having a designated certified person shall have a responsible managing employee. Beginning July 1, 2021, no person or business organization shall be issued an initial fire sprinkler contractor license using such exemption. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/14

(225 ILCS 317/14) Sec. 14. Fire protection system layout documents. All fire protection system layout documents of fire sprinkler systems shall be prepared by: (1) a professional engineer who is licensed under the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989, (2) an architect who is licensed under the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989, or (3) a holder of a valid NICET Level III or IV certification in water-based fire protection systems layout who is either licensed under this Act or employed by an organization licensed under this Act. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/15

(225 ILCS 317/15) Sec. 15. Licensing requirements. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, advertise, or hold itself out to be in the business of providing service for fire sprinkler systems in this State unless such person is licensed by the Office. (b) Applications for initial licensure and renewal shall be made to the Office on forms or electronically as prescribed by the Office, and applicants shall pay the license fee. (c) No license is required for a person or business that is engaged in the installation of fire sprinkler systems only in single-family or multiple-family residential dwellings up to and including 8 family units that do not exceed 2 1/2 stories in height from the lowest grade level. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/16

(225 ILCS 317/16) Sec. 16. Fire sprinkler contractor license. (a) A person applying for a fire sprinkler contractor license shall have a designated certified person who meets the requirements pursuant to Section 20 or a responsible managing employee pursuant to Section 120 employed at the business location. The designated certified person or responsible managing employee shall be identified on the license application. (b) A person applying for a fire sprinkler contractor license shall show proof of having liability and property damage insurance in such amounts and under such circumstances as may be determined by the Office. The amount of liability and property damage insurance, however, shall not be less than the amount specified in Section 35. (c) A person applying for a fire sprinkler contractor license shall show proof of having workers' compensation insurance covering its employees or be approved as a self-insurer of workers' compensation in accordance with the laws of this State. (d) A fire sprinkler contractor licensee shall have a separate license for each business location within the State or outside the State when the business location is responsible for any installation, repair, inspection, testing, maintenance, or service of fire sprinkler systems performed within the State. (e) When an individual proposes to do business in his or her own name, a license, when granted, shall be issued only to that individual. (f) If the applicant requesting licensure to engage in contracting is a business organization, such as a partnership, corporation, business trust, or other legal entity, the application shall state the name of the partnership and its partners, the name of the corporation and its officers and directors, the name of the business trust and its trustees, or the name of the other legal entity and its members and shall furnish evidence of statutory compliance if a fictitious name is used. Application for a fire sprinkler contractor license shall also show that the business entity employs a designated certified person or responsible managing employee. The license, when issued upon application of a business organization, shall be in the name of the business organization and the name of the qualifying designated certified person or responsible managing employee shall be noted on the license. Changes to the information required in this Section shall be reported to the Office within 30 days after the change. (g) Each fire sprinkler contractor shall be subject to requirements for license renewal and continuing education under Section 35. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/17

(225 ILCS 317/17) Sec. 17. Fire sprinkler inspector license; application; minimum qualifications for routine inspection or testing. (a) Any individual who performs routine inspection or testing of any fire sprinkler system under this Act shall: (i) be employed by a single licensed fire sprinkler contractor at a time to perform fire sprinkler inspections; and (ii) meet the minimum qualifications of this Section except where the individual is exempted by subsection (c). Beginning January 1, 2024, any individual who performs routine inspection or testing of any fire sprinkler system under this Act shall be individually licensed and possess on his or her person a fire sprinkler inspector license including a photo identification issued by the Office. A person applying for an initial fire sprinkler inspector license or renewing a fire sprinkler inspector license shall demonstrate to the Office proof of minimum qualifications as required by subsection (b) of this Section, except where the individual is exempted by subsection (c). (b) Any individual who performs routine inspection or testing of any fire sprinkler system under this Act shall possess proof of: (1) current certification by a nationally recognized certification organization, such as NICET certification in Inspection and Testing of Water Based Systems, at an appropriate level, or the equivalent; on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General assembly through December 31, 2022, an appropriate level in NICET certification in Inspection and Testing of Water Based Systems shall be level II; on and after January 1, 2023, an appropriate level in NICET certification in Inspection and Testing of Water Based Systems shall be level III; (2) current ASSE 15010 certification in inspection, testing, and maintenance for water-based fire protection systems by the American Society of Sanitary Engineering; or (3) satisfactory completion of a certified sprinkler fitter apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. (c) The following are exemptions to the licensing requirements of this Section: (1) State employees who perform routine inspection or testing on behalf of State institutions and who meet the requirements of subsection (b) need not be licensed under this Section or employed by a fire sprinkler contractor under this Act in order to perform routine inspection or testing duties while engaged in the performance of their official duties. (2) The requirements of this Section do not apply to individuals performing inspection or testing of fire sprinkler systems on behalf of a municipality, a county, a fire department, a fire protection district, or the Office while engaged in the performance of their official duties. (3) The requirements of this Section do not apply to a stationary engineer, operating engineer, or other individual employed on a full-time basis by the facility owner or owner's representative performing weekly and monthly inspections and tests in accordance with applicable standards adopted under the rules. (d) Each fire sprinkler inspector shall be subject to the requirements for license renewal and continuing education under Section 35. (e) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit an individual who is licensed as a fire sprinkler inspector from being employed by another employer or self-employed to perform duties that would not require a fire sprinkler inspector license. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21; 103-761, eff. 1-1-25.)

225 ILCS 317/20

(225 ILCS 317/20) Sec. 20. Designated certified person requirements; change of a designated certified person. (a) A designated certified person shall either be a current Illinois licensed professional engineer pursuant to the Professional Engineering Practice Act of 1989 or hold a valid NICET Level III or higher certification in water-based fire protection systems layout. (b) At least one member of every firm, association, or partnership and at least one officer of every corporation engaged in the service of fire sprinkler systems shall be a designated certified person. (c) A designated certified person shall be employed by the fire sprinkler contractor at each business location with a valid license. (d) A designated certified person shall perform his or her normal duties at a business location with a valid license. (e) A designated certified person may only be the designated certified person for one business location and one business entity. (f) A designated certified person shall be directly involved in supervision. The designated certified person does not, however, have to be at the site of the service of the fire sprinkler system at all times. (g) A designated certified person shall provide an affirmative statement acknowledging his or her role as the designated certified person for the fire sprinkler contractor. (h) When a fire sprinkler contractor is without a designated certified person, the fire sprinkler contractor shall notify the Office in writing within 30 days and shall employ a designated certified person no later than 180 days from the time the position of designated certified person becomes vacant. Failing to fill the vacant position shall cause the fire sprinkler contractor license to expire without further operation of law.(Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/30

(225 ILCS 317/30) Sec. 30. Requirements for the service of fire sprinkler systems. (a) Equipment shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or Factory Mutual Laboratories, Inc., or shall comply with nationally accepted standards. The Office shall adopt by rule procedures for determining whether a laboratory is nationally recognized, taking into account the laboratory's facilities, procedures, use of nationally recognized standards, and any other criteria reasonably calculated to reach an informed determination. (b) Service for equipment shall be provided in accordance with the applicable standards as adopted in the rules and the manufacturer's specifications. (c) The contractor shall furnish the user with operating instructions for all equipment installed, together with as-built plans of the final installation. (d) All fire sprinkler systems shall have a backflow prevention device or, in a municipality with a population over 500,000, a double detector check assembly installed by a licensed plumber before the fire sprinkler system connection to the water service. Connection to the backflow prevention device or, in a municipality with a population over 500,000, a double detector assembly shall be done in a manner consistent with the Department of Public Health's Plumbing Code. (e) (Blank). (f) Routine inspection or testing of existing fire sprinkler systems and control equipment shall be performed by an individual qualified under Section 17. A copy of the inspection report for routine inspection or testing of a fire sprinkler system shall be sent to the local fire jurisdiction as provided by Section 31. (Source: P.A. 101-626, eff. 6-1-20; 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/31

(225 ILCS 317/31) Sec. 31. Reporting of routine inspection or testing activity. A copy of the inspection report for routine inspection or testing of a fire sprinkler system provided by a fire sprinkler inspector shall be forwarded by the entity performing the routine inspection or testing to the local fire jurisdiction in which the fire sprinkler system is located within 20 business days after the routine inspection or testing or within the time frame required by the local fire jurisdiction, whichever is less. The report for routine inspection or testing shall include: (1) the name and license number of the individual or individuals who performed the routine inspection or testing; and (2) the name and license number of the fire sprinkler contractor by whom the individual or individuals are employed. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/32

(225 ILCS 317/32) Sec. 32. Application for building permit; identity theft. A person who knowingly, in the course of applying for a building permit with a unit of local government, provides the license number of a fire sprinkler contractor whom he or she does not intend to have perform the work on the fire sprinkler portion of the project commits identity theft under paragraph (8) of subsection (a) of Section 16-30 of the Criminal Code of 2012. (Source: P.A. 96-1455, eff. 8-20-10; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11; 97-597, eff. 1-1-12; 97-1109, eff. 1-1-13; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

225 ILCS 317/35

(225 ILCS 317/35) Sec. 35. Fees, renewals, continuing education, and required insurance. (a) The fees for an initial license and each renewal and for duplicate copies of licenses shall be determined by the Office by rule. (b) Each license shall be renewed every 2 years. Each licensee shall complete at least 16 hours of continuing education in the 2-year period following the licensee's renewal or initial licensure, with at least 8 hours of continuing education completed during each year of the current license. To satisfy the continuing education requirement for fire sprinkler contractors, continuing education shall be completed by the designated certified person or responsible managing employee on behalf of the fire sprinkler contractor licensee. Current licensure as a professional engineer or proof of current NICET Level III or IV certification in water-based fire protection systems layout shall satisfy the continuing education requirement for designated certified persons. Continuing education offered through nationally recognized building and fire code organizations and their affiliates; nationally recognized fire sprinkler organizations and their affiliates; institutions of higher education; educational bodies specializing in automatic fire suppression system technology; as well as other entities approved by the Office shall be also acceptable. All continuing education entities seeking to be approved providers of continuing education shall make application to the Office and offer programs that: (1) contribute to the advancement, extension, or enhancement of the professional skills or technical knowledge of the licensee in the practice of fire sprinkler contracting; and (2) are developed and presented by persons with education or experience in the subject manner of the program. (c) Any person who fails to file a renewal application by the date of expiration of a license shall be assessed a late filing fee, which shall be determined by the Office by rule. (d) Any fee required by this Act is not refundable in the event that the initial application or application for renewal is denied. (e) Every application for an initial license or renewal of a fire sprinkler contractor license shall be accompanied by a certificate of insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Illinois or by a risk retention or purchasing group formed pursuant to the federal Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986, which provides primary, first dollar public liability coverage of the applicant or licensee for personal injuries for not less than $500,000 per person or $1,000,000 per occurrence, and, in addition, for not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence for property damage. The insurance policy shall be in effect at all times during the license year and a new certificate of insurance shall be filed with the Office within 30 days after the renewal of the insurance policy. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/45

(225 ILCS 317/45) Sec. 45. Home rule. A home rule unit may not regulate the service of fire sprinkler systems in a manner less restrictive than the regulation by the State on the service of fire sprinkler systems 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. The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly are intended to be a restatement and clarification of existing law. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/5

(225 ILCS 317/5) Sec. 5. Legislative intent. It is declared that within the State of Illinois the improper service of fire sprinkler systems and associated components creates conditions that may adversely affect the public health and general welfare. Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to protect, promote, and preserve the public health and general welfare by providing for the State administrative control, supervision, licensure, and regulation of persons involved in the service of fire sprinkler systems, ensuring that those who hold themselves out as possessing professional qualifications to engage in service of fire sprinkler systems are qualified to render service, and providing for the high standards of professional conduct by those licensed to service fire sprinkler systems. This Act shall be liberally construed to promote the public interest and to accomplish the purpose stated in this Section. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/50

(225 ILCS 317/50) Sec. 50. Powers and duties of the Office. The Office has all of the following powers and duties: (a) To prescribe and furnish application forms, licenses, and any other forms necessary under this Act. (b) To suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew licenses for cause. (c) To conduct hearings concerning the suspension, revocation, or refusal to issue or renew licenses. (d) To levy and collect fines pursuant to this Act. (e) To adopt rules and incorporate standards necessary for the administration of this Act and to enforce the rules and standards adopted under the Act or its rules. (f) To investigate applications, complaints, and allegations of violations associated with this Act. (g) To establish fee schedules for licenses. (h) To establish a database of licensed fire sprinkler contractors and licensed fire sprinkler inspectors.(Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/60

(225 ILCS 317/60) Sec. 60. Grounds for disciplinary action. The following constitute grounds for disciplinary action by the Office: (1) Violation of any provision of this Act or rules or standards adopted under this Act or its rules. (2) Violation of the applicable building, fire, or life safety codes or laws of this State or any municipality or county thereof. (3) Diversion of funds or property received for prosecution or completion of a specified construction project or operation when, as a result of the diversion, the contractor is, or will be, unable to fulfill the terms of his or her obligation or contract. (4) Any final disciplinary action by any municipality or county of this State, which action shall be reviewed by the Office before the Office takes any disciplinary action. (5) Failure to supervise the service of the fire sprinkler system performed by the contractor. (6) Rendering a fire sprinkler system, standpipe system, or underground water supply main connecting to the system inoperative except when the fire sprinkler system, standpipe system, or underground water supply main is being serviced or pursuant to court order. (7) Improperly servicing a fire sprinkler system, standpipe system, or underground water supply main connecting to the system based upon applicable standards of this Act or as adopted by rule. (8) Failing to provide proof of insurance to the Office or failing to maintain in force the insurance coverage required by this Act. (9) Failing to obtain, retain, or maintain one or more of the qualifications for a designated certified person or responsible managing employee as specified in this Act. (10) Making a material misstatement or misrepresentation or committing a fraud in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license. (11) Failing to notify the Office, in writing, within 30 days after a change of residence address, principal business address, name, or designated certified person or responsible managing employee. (12) Failure to supply within a reasonable time, upon request from the Office or its authorized representative, true information regarding material used, work performed, or other information essential to the administration of this Act. (13) Aiding or assisting a person to violate any provision of this Act or its rules, or conspiring with any person to violate any provision of this Act or its rules. (14) Discipline by another U.S. jurisdiction if at least one of the grounds for the discipline is the same or substantially equivalent to those set forth in this Section. (15) Improperly advertising services for installing, maintaining, servicing, repairing, testing, or inspecting a fire sprinkler system. (16) Making a material misstatement or misrepresentation or committing fraud in the installation, repair, inspection, testing, maintenance, or service of a fire sprinkler system, standpipe system, or underground water supply main connecting to the system. (17) Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or by sentencing of any crime, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States that is a felony or misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the business practices or the installation, repair, inspection, testing, maintenance, or service of a fire sprinkler system, standpipe system, or underground water supply main connecting to the system. (18) Directly or indirectly willfully receiving compensation for any professional service related to the license, not properly or actually rendered, including inspections. (19) Permitting the use of a license issued under this Act to enable an unlicensed person or agency to operate as a licensee. (20) Use of a license or license number issued under this Act by an unlicensed person to operate as a licensee. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 317/62

(225 ILCS 317/62) Sec. 62. Unlicensed practice; violation; civil penalty. (a) Any person, entity, or business that offers fire sprinkler contractor services under this Act without being licensed or exempt under this Act shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, pay a civil penalty, which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund, in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each offense, as determined by the Office. If any person, entity, or business commits a second offense within 24 months, the civil penalty shall be no less than $10,000, which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund. If any person, entity, or business commits more than 2 offenses within 24 months, the civil penalty shall be no less than $25,000, which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund. The civil penalty shall be assessed by the Office after a hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of this Act regarding the provision of a hearing for the discipline of a licensee. (b) Use of the title "fire sprinkler inspector" is limited to those individuals licensed under this Act. Any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds himself or herself out to practice as a fire sprinkler inspector without being licensed or exempt under this Act shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, pay a civil penalty, which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund, in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each offense, as determined by the Office. If any person commits a second offense within 24 months, the civil penalty shall be no less than $10,000, which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund. If any person commits more than 2 offenses within 24 months, the civil penalty shall be no less than $25,000, which shall be deposited into the Fire Prevention Fund. The civil penalty shall be assessed by the Office after a hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of this Act regarding the provision of a hearing for the discipline of a licensee. (c) The Office may investigate any actual, alleged, or suspected unlicensed activity. (d) The civil penalty shall be paid within 60 days after the effective date of the order imposing the civil penalty. The order shall constitute a final judgment and may be filed and execution had thereon in the same manner as any judgment from any court of record. (Source: P.A. 104-416, eff. 8-15-25.)

225 ILCS 317/90

(225 ILCS 317/90) Sec. 90. Injunction. Unlicensed, faulty, or noncompliant fire sprinkler installation, repair, inspection, testing, maintenance, and service is declared a violation of this Act and inimical to the public health, welfare, and safety and a deceptive business practice. If any person violates the provisions of this Act, the Office may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General, petition, in a circuit court of competent jurisdiction, for an order enjoining such violation or for an order enforcing compliance with this Act. Upon the filing of a verified petition in such court, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, without notice or bond, and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin such violation, and if it is established that such person has violated or is violating the injunction the court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act. (Source: P.A. 102-612, eff. 8-27-21.)

225 ILCS 325/3

(225 ILCS 325/3) (from Ch. 111, par. 5203) (Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2030) Sec. 3. Application of Act; exemptions. (a) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent the practice of structural engineering as defined in the Structural Engineering Practice Act of 1989 or the practice of architecture as defined in the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989 or the regular and customary practice of construction contracting and construction management as performed by construction contractors. (b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent the regular and customary practice of a private alarm contractor licensed pursuant to the Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act of 2004. (c) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prevent a fire sprinkler contractor licensed under the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act from providing fire protection system layout documents. For the purpose of this subsection (c), "fire protection system layout documents" means layout drawings, catalog information on standard products, and other construction data that provide detail on the location of risers, cross mains, branch lines, sprinklers, piping per applicable standard, and hanger locations. Fire protection system layout documents serve as a guide for fabrication and installation of a fire sprinkler system. (d) A building permit for a building that requires a fire suppression system shall not be issued without the submission of a technical submission prepared and sealed by a licensed design professional. Fire protection system layout documents do not require an engineering seal if prepared by a technician who holds a valid NICET level 3 or 4 certification in fire protection technology, automatic sprinkler system layout. An authority having jurisdiction may not accept fire protection system layout documents in lieu of technical submissions. Fire protection system layout documents may be submitted as supporting documents to supplement technical submissions. However, in the event the fire protection system layout documents materially alter the technical submissions, the authority having jurisdiction shall return both the fire protection layout documents and technical submissions to the licensed design professional for review. (e) Nothing in this Act shall prevent: (1) Employees, including project representatives, of professional engineers lawfully practicing as sole owners, partnerships or corporations under this Act, from acting under the direct supervision of their employers. (2) The employment of owner's representatives by the owner during the constructing, adding to, or altering of a project, or any parts thereof, provided that such owner's representative shall not have the authority to deviate from the technical submissions without the prior approval of the professional engineer for the project. (3) The practice of officers and employees of the Government of the United States while engaged within this State in the practice of the profession of engineering for the Government. (4) Services performed by employees of a business organization engaged in utility, telecommunications, industrial, or manufacturing operations, or by employees of laboratory research affiliates of such business organization that are rendered in connection with the fabrication or production, sale, and installation of products, systems, or nonengineering services of the business organization or its affiliates. (5) Inspection, maintenance and service work done by employees of the State of Illinois, any political subdivision thereof or any municipality. (6) The activities performed by those ordinarily designated as chief engineer of plant operation, chief operating engineer, locomotive, stationary, marine, power plant or hoisting and portable engineers, electrical maintenance or service engineers, personnel employed in connection with construction, operation or maintenance of street lighting, traffic control signals, police and fire alarm systems, waterworks, steam, electric, and sewage treatment and disposal plants, or the services ordinarily performed by any worker regularly employed as a locomotive, stationary, marine, power plant, or hoisting and portable engineer or electrical maintenance or service engineer for any corporation, contractor or employer. (7) The activities performed by a person ordinarily designated as a supervising engineer or supervising electrical maintenance or service engineer who supervises the operation of, or who operates, machinery or equipment, or who supervises construction or the installation of equipment within a plant that is under such person's immediate supervision. (8) The services, for private use, of contractors or owners in the construction of engineering works or the installation of equipment. (Source: P.A. 101-310, eff. 8-9-19.)

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)