21:1B-13 Powers of board.

2. a. The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Education and Safety Board is empowered to:

(1) recommend to the Commissioner of Community Affairs for proposal and adoption rules and regulations:

(a) setting forth minimum general standards for the design, construction, location, installation, and operation of equipment for storing and handling of liquefied petroleum gas, and

(b) governing liquefied petroleum gas distributors and installers and the installation of liquefied petroleum gas systems, carburetion systems and fueling systems;

(2) make recommendations to the Commissioner of Community Affairs concerning:

(a) civil penalties for violation of any rule or order made under chapter 1B of Title 21 of the Revised Statutes;

(b) the method and form of application for a liquefied petroleum gas license or certification; the investigation of the experience, reputation and background of applicants; the issuance, suspension, revocation or denial of licenses; and the procedures for conducting hearings in connection with the applications for, or revocation of, licenses and certifications, including, but not limited to, compelling the attendance of witnesses by subpoena, requiring the production of any records or documents determined by it to be pertinent to the subject matter of the hearing, and applying to the Superior Court for an order citing any applicant or witness for contempt, and for failure to attend, testify or produce required documents;

(c) procedures for the suspension or revocation of licenses or certifications and the denial of license or certification renewals when the applicant or licensee has been guilty of acts of conduct harmful to either the safety or protection of the public;

(d) the content of and procedures for administering examinations of every license applicant to determine the responsibility, ability, knowledge, experience or other qualification of the applicant for a license;

(e) competency testing for all employees and subcontractors of licensees engaged in transporting or dispensing liquefied petroleum gas or installing, servicing, or repairing a liquefied petroleum gas system, fueling system or carburetion system, as set forth in this chapter;

(f) procedures for the granting of exemptions from department rules and regulations to accommodate local needs as it determines to be in the best interest of the safety of the public or the persons using liquefied petroleum gas systems or services;

(g) the development of programs and projects, including educational programs for public safety officials and consumers, concerning safety and environmental advantages of liquefied petroleum gas, and safety and educational programs for the public and for industrial and emergency response personnel;

(h) procedures for entering into contracts or agreements to implement the provisions of this act; and

(i) a schedule of the fees and charges to cover all costs of administration of the provisions of this act as provided in this act.

b. (1) The board shall keep accurate records and minutes of all meetings, which shall be open to public inspection at all reasonable times, and keep a public record of all applications for licenses, and licenses issued by it.

(2) The board shall periodically report to the Commissioner of Community Affairs concerning its transactions and recommendations and the Commissioner of Community Affairs shall submit to the Governor a biennial report before September 1 of each even numbered year, covering its transactions during the biennium ending June 30 of that year, including a complete statement of the receipts and expenditures of the board during that period.

L.1999,c.109,s.2.