§21-3C-11. Disposition of fees; legislative rules.

(a) The division shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code, for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this article, which shall provide:

(1) Standards, qualifications, and procedures for submitting applications, taking examinations and issuing and renewing licenses, certificates of competency and certificates of operation of the three licensure classifications set forth in §21-3C-10a of this code;

(2) For the renewal of a license, even if the licensee is unemployed or not working in the industry: Provided, That to engage or offer to engage in the business of erecting, constructing, installing, altering, servicing, repairing, or maintaining an elevator or related conveyance covered by this article, the licensee shall be a contractor, or be employed by a contractor licensed pursuant to §30-42-1 et seq., of this code;

(3) Qualifications and supervision requirements for elevator apprentices;

(4) Provisions for the granting of licenses without examination, to applicants who present satisfactory evidence of having the expertise required to perform work as defined in this article and who apply for licensure on or before July 1, 2010: Provided, That if a license issued under the authority of this subsection subsequently lapses, the applicant may, at the discretion of the commissioner, be subject to all licensure requirements, including the examination;

(5) Provisions for the granting of emergency licenses in the event of an emergency due to disaster, act of God, or work stoppage when the number of persons in the state holding licenses issued pursuant to this article is insufficient to cope with the emergency;

(6) Provisions for the granting of temporary licenses in the event that there are no elevator mechanics available to engage in the work of an elevator mechanic as defined by this article;

(7) Continuing education requirements;

(8) Procedures for investigating complaints and revoking or suspending licenses, certificates of competency and certificates of operation, including appeal procedures;

(9) Fees for testing, issuance and renewal of licenses, certificates of competency and certificates of operation, and other costs necessary to administer the provisions of this article;

(10) Enforcement procedures; and

(11) Any other rules necessary to effectuate the purposes of this article.

(b) The rules proposed for promulgation pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall establish the amount of any fee authorized pursuant to the provisions of this article: Provided, That in no event may the fees established for the issuance of certificates of operation exceed $90.

(c) All fees paid pursuant to this article shall be paid to the Commissioner of Labor and deposited in an appropriated special revenue account hereby created in the State Treasury known as the Elevator Safety Fund and expended for the implementation and enforcement of this article. Through June 30, 2019, amounts collected which are found from time to time to exceed funds needed for the purposes set forth in this article may be utilized by the commissioner as needed to meet the division’s funding obligations: Provided, That beginning July 1, 2019, amounts collected may not be utilized by the commissioner as needed to meet the division’s funding obligations.

(d) The division may enter into agreements with counties and municipalities whereby such counties and municipalities be permitted to retain the inspection fees collected to support the enforcement activities at the local level.

(e) The commissioner or his or her authorized representatives may consult with engineering authorities and organizations concerned with standard safety codes, rules and regulations governing the operation, maintenance, servicing, construction, alteration, installation and the qualifications which are adequate, reasonable and necessary for the elevator mechanic and inspector.