Bill

Bill > SB760


OR SB760

OR SB760
Relating to fire safety systems in public buildings; prescribing an effective date.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/27/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Legislative Measures

Bill Summary

The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: Makes new rules about fire safety systems in public buildings. Sets penalties. Takes ef- fect on the 91st day after the session ends. (Flesch Readability Score: 68.6). Requires the owner of a public building to periodically conduct inspections and testing of fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers and smoke control systems in the public building. Specifies qualifications for inspectors. Requires an inspector to issue a certificate of compliance if the public building complies with the applicable standards or to issue a deficiency report if the public building does not comply. Specifies a time period within which the public building owner must return the public building to compliance. Directs a building owner that receives public moneys for the purpose of replacing or repairing fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers and smoke control systems to require a contractor to provide certain benefits to workers in connection with an installation or repair of equipment that fails an inspection or test or is otherwise deficient. Punishes violation of the Act with a civil penalty equivalent to five cents for each square foot of occupied space in the public building. Authorizes additional civil penalties for a continuing failure to comply. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

AI Summary

This bill establishes comprehensive requirements for fire safety systems in public buildings, mandating periodic inspections and testing of fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers, and smoke control systems. Building owners must have these systems inspected by certified contractors at specific intervals (every four years for most systems, every six years for hospitals), maintain detailed inspection reports, and ensure systems are installed and maintained according to manufacturer guidelines and state standards. If inspections reveal deficiencies, building owners have 120 days to correct issues and obtain a new compliance certificate, with potential extensions granted by local authorities. The bill introduces significant penalties for non-compliance, starting at five cents per square foot of occupied space for initial violations, escalating to ten cents per square foot for prolonged non-compliance, and potentially requiring facility managers to attend fire safety training. Additionally, for publicly funded repair or replacement projects, contractors must meet specific workforce requirements, including participating in apprenticeship programs, offering health and retirement benefits, and targeting workforce diversity. The State Fire Marshal will oversee rule-making and implementation, with local authorities responsible for enforcement and collecting penalties, which can be used to fund fire prevention and safety training programs. The bill takes effect 91 days after the legislative session adjourns.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

In committee upon adjournment. (on 06/27/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...