(a) The State Fire Marshal shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of 29A-3-1 et seq., of this code to establish a program for the certification of electrical inspectors. Proposed rules shall provide: Standards and procedures for certification, including applications, examinations, fees, qualifications, procedures for investigating complaints, revoking or suspending certifications and for renewing licenses. The State Fire Marshal is also authorized to propose emergency rules to implement the provisions of this article: Provided, That the emergency rules specify an initial certification fee of $50.
(b) The State Fire Marshal shall certify an electrical inspector upon a finding that the applicant possesses the requisite qualifications.
(c) When considering whether an applicant possess the qualifications for certification as an electrical inspector, the State Fire Marshal shall consider whether an applicants prior criminal convictions bear a rational nexus on the certification being sought.
(1) The State Fire Marshal may not disqualify an applicant from initial certification because of a prior criminal conviction that remains unreversed unless that conviction is for a crime that bears a rational nexus to the activity requiring certification. In determining whether a criminal conviction bears a rational nexus to a profession or occupation, the State Fire Marshal shall consider at a minimum: