HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2340

BYRepresentatives R. Meyers, Schmidt, Zellinsky, Jones, Hargrove, Rector, Winsley and Rasmussen

Prohibiting the installation of inoperable fire protection sprinkler systems.

House Committe on Judiciary

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (15)

      Signed by Representatives Appelwick, Chair; Crane, Vice Chair; Padden, Ranking Republican Member; Dellwo, Forner, Hargrove, Inslee, P. King, R. Meyers, Moyer, H. Myers, Scott, D. Sommers, Tate and Wineberry.

House Staff:Regina Jones

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 13, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The proper construction, installation and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems are a fire safety priority in this state.  Ineffective or inoperable fire sprinkler systems threaten safety in the event of a fire.

Chapter 9.45 RCW governs a broad range of crimes involving fraud and swindles.  Persons convicted of class C felonies are subject to imprisonment for a maximum of five years, a fine of not more than $10,000, or both the fine and imprisonment.

SUMMARY:

A person who willfully or maliciously constructs or maintains a fire protection sprinkler system with intent to install a system which is known to be inoperable or of impaired effectiveness threatening safety in the event of a fire, is guilty of a class C felony. Installation of a system includes initial installation, or extension or modification of the equipment after it is initially installed.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Gordon Walgren, Washington Fire Sprinkler Systems, and Auto Jensen, Washington Association of Fire Chiefs.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Many are concerned about fire sprinkler safety and the proper installation and maintenance of the systems.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.