SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6247

                    AS OF JANUARY 28, 1994

Brief Description:  Requiring rules exempting school buildings from automatic fire extinguishing system requirements.

SPONSORS: Senators Newhouse, Vognild, Pelz and McAuliffe

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Leslie Goldstein (786‑7424)

Hearing Dates: January 31, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In 1991, legislation was enacted requiring the state Building Code Council to adopt rules requiring sprinklers in schools built or remodeled after July 28, 1991.  There were no exceptions to this requirement.

SUMMARY:

School buildings built after July 28, 1991, that are smaller than 20,000 square feet are not required to install sprinklers.  For this exemption to apply, the following conditions must be met:  The building must be on one floor; each room used for instruction must have an exterior exit; there is no reasonable access to a municipal water system; and the school district maintains a fire insurance policy for the building.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested