Sec. 511.0097.  FIRE SPRINKLER HEAD INSPECTION.  (a)  On the request of a sheriff, the commission shall inspect a facility to determine whether there are areas in the facility in which fire sprinkler heads should not be placed as a fire prevention measure.  In making a decision under this section, the commission shall consider:
(1)  the numbers and types of inmates having access to the area;
(2)  the likelihood that an inmate will attempt to vandalize the fire sprinkler system or commit suicide by hanging from a sprinkler head;  and
(3)  the suitability of other types of fire prevention and smoke dispersal devices available for use in the area.
(b)  If the commission determines that fire sprinkler heads should not be placed in a particular area within a facility, neither a county fire marshal nor a municipal officer charged with enforcing ordinances related to fire safety may require the sheriff to install sprinkler heads in that area.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.008(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.