SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6597

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

            Government Operations, February 6, 1998

Title:  An act relating to fire suppression systems.

Brief Description:  Creating a residential building fire prevention study group.

Sponsors:  Senators Kohl, B. Sheldon, Winsley and Wood.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Government Operations:  2/2/98, 2/6/98 [DP, DNP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chair; Hale, Vice Chair; Haugen and T. Sheldon.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.

  Signed by Senator Horn.

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  Residents of the state have suffered significant life and property loss in fires occurring in buildings not equipped with fire prevention and fire suppression systems.  There are substantial financial and administrative burdens associated with the installation of fire suppression and fire prevention systems in existing buildings.

Summary of Bill:  A study group is created to investigate problems, review actions of jurisdictions nationwide, and make consensus recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor regarding ways that the Legislature, local jurisdictions, fire protection services, and the private sector can work cooperatively to reduce financial and administrative burdens to installation of fire suppression and fire prevention systems in existing residential buildings.

The study group consists of one legislator from each major caucus of the Senate and the House of Representatives and is co-chaired by a legislator from the Senate and a legislator from the House of Representatives.  The legislators must appoint other members to the study group  who represent a broad spectrum of interests related to fire safety in residential buildings, including two members of the public.  A representative of the Governor=s Office, the Chair of the State Building Code Council, and the State Fire Marshal must also be appointed to the study group. 

The Office of State Fire Marshal provides staff and administrative support.  The consensus recommendations must be delivered to the Governor and the Legislature by January 11, 1999.  This act expires July 1, 1999.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  A study is needed to specifically look at ways to help owners put in fire prevention and fire suppression systems.  A study group is the best way to accomplish this task.  We need to prevent loss of life and property in residential buildings.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Mike Matlick, WSP; Tim Nogler, State Building Code Council; Mark Gjurasic, Washington Apartment Association; Doug Neyhart, Apartment Association of Seattle/King County; Gordon Walgren, Washington Fire Chiefs; Paul O=Connor, FSAB-PS.