Public Safety and Security Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5164
AN ACT CONCERNING INSTALLERS OF RESIDENTIAL VERTICAL
Title: PLATFORM LIFTS.
Vote Date: 3/24/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/11/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Public Safety and Security Committee
Co-Sponsor: Rep. Robin Green, 55th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill will allow DCP to create a license for technicians to install residential vertical platform
lifts. Currently, the installation of these lifts require that a technician has either an R1 or R5
elevator license. R1 licensees are predominantly commercial installers. By having a license
to install these vertical platform lifts, it will help when people are trying to install lifts in private
residences. Often people have an immediate need to have these lifts installed, this would
eliminate the wait time that currently exists.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Michelle Seagull, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
If the intent of this bill is to require a license to perform the installation of vertical stair lifts in
private residences, such requirements already exist. If this proposal was drafted to allow for
a lower level license for residential installation of vertical platform lifts, then DCP
recommends amending CGS 20-340f to require DCP add the installation of vertical platform
lists to Regulations of CT State Agencies Section 21a-340f-1.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Robert Danek, owner, Amramp
Mr. Danek is in support of this bill. There are several companies that sell Vertical Platform
Lift's, some with on-staff R-5 licensed installers, but there is still a low number of licensed
installers, often causing people to have to wait for an unacceptable amount of time. People
are aging in place and need to make their homes accessible for wheelchairs. They cannot
wait 4-6 weeks for someone to come and install their lift.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
John DeRosa, International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 91
Mr. DeRosa is opposed to this bill. This bill would create a Residential Stair Lift Technicians
License which already exists in the state of Connecticut. It is important to remember that
accessibility equipment is used by the elderly and those facing physical, or mental
challenges, please continue to protect these individuals. The equipment needs to be
installed, maintained and repaired by highly qualified and trained individuals.
Paul Farnsworth, Elevator Service Company, Inc.
Mr. Farnsworth is opposed to this bill. This bill seeks to expand the work that can be
performed by the holder of the RSL License to include vertical platform lifts, which are in
certain ways like a small passenger elevator. The holder of the RSL license should pursue
one of the following: R1, R2, R5, or R6.
Kimberly Glassman, Director, Foundation of Fair Contracting of Connecticut, Inc.
Ms. Glassman is opposed to this bill. The state of Connecticut already has a residential stair
lift technician's license and this bill is not necessary. Diluting or undermining the current
Accessibility licenses could result in workplace injuries of those who are installing the chair
lifts and cause serious injuries to those using the lifts, many of whom are elderly or differently
abled individuals.
Reported by: Bonnie Gray, Asst. Clerk Date: 4/1/2021
Page 2 of 2 HB-5164


Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 20-340f
PS Joint Favorable: 20-340f
File No. 375: 20-340f