HOUSE BILL REPORT
SHB 1779
As Passed House:
March 7, 2023
Title: An act relating to reducing toxic air pollution that threatens human health.
Brief Description: Reducing toxic air pollution that threatens human health.
Sponsors: House Committee on Environment & Energy (originally sponsored by Representatives Mosbrucker, Dye and Pollet).
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Environment & Energy: 2/13/23, 2/16/23 [DPS].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/7/23, 93-2.
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Establishes an interagency carbon monoxide workgroup to produce a report on current and recommended state activities to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and to make recommendations to the Legislature by December 1, 2024.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.Signed by 14 members:Representatives Doglio, Chair; Mena, Vice Chair; Dye, Ranking Minority Member; Ybarra, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Abbarno, Barnard, Berry, Couture, Duerr, Goehner, Lekanoff, Ramel, Slatter and Street.
Minority Report: Without recommendation.Signed by 1 member:Representative Fey.
Staff: Jacob Lipson (786-7196).
Background:

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, nearly odorless gas that results from the incomplete oxidation of carbon during combustion.  Carbon monoxide can originate from a variety of sources, including heaters, stoves, fireplaces, generators, and automobile exhaust.  

 

Carbon monoxide is regulated as one of the six criteria air pollutants for which the United States Environmental Protection Agency establishes National Ambient Air Quality Standards for outdoor air pollution.  At the state level, CO alarms are required under State Building Code Council rules in most residential occupancies, and CO warning stickers must be affixed to certain motor-driven vessels.  The presence of CO alarms are one of the items that must be addressed on residential and commercial real estate seller disclosure forms.
Summary of Substitute Bill:

The Department of Health must convene an interagency carbon monoxide (CO) workgroup that includes representatives from the Department of Ecology, the Director of the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory Division, the Department of Transportation, and the Office of the Attorney General.  The workgroup must nominate a chair, who may nominate up to two additional participants.  The purpose of the workgroup is to produce a report on current and future state activities to prevent CO poisoning from sources outside of the home, increase awareness of CO among at-risk populations, collect data on CO incidents, and identify funding sources for public awareness campaigns.  The workgroup must submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2024, containing recommendations on actions to reduce CO poisoning in Washington. 
 
An intent section is included, and the act may be known and cited as Mary's Law. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) Carbon monoxide (CO) is highly dangerous partly because it is invisible, tasteless, odorless, and colorless.  Carbon monoxide poisoning can be caused by a number of sources, including vehicles, boats, generators, indoor grills, and cookstoves.  Symptoms of CO poisoning can be varied, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the source.  A public awareness campaign could reduce the risks of CO poisoning, and could alert the public to risky situations and possible signs of CO exposure.  Carbon monoxide poisoning injures and kills Washington residents every year.  Residences are required to have CO alarms, but that isn't sufficient to address all possible sources and locations of CO poisoning.  Carbon monoxide poisoning can render a person disabled and unable to do their jobs or spend time with family members.

 

(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Gina Mosbrucker, prime sponsor; Annet van Tilburg; Daniel Davidai; and Melissa Wykes.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.