SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5551

 

As of February 9, 2001

 

Title:  An act relating to judicial authority to order inspections.

 

Brief Description:  Establishing judicial authority to order inspections.

 

Sponsors:  Senators Carlson, Kline and Zarelli.

 

Brief History: 

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:  2/12/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

 

Staff:  Lilah Amos (786‑7421)

 

Background:  There is currently no authority for a fire department official to enter a dwelling to inspect for fire code violations.  Authorization does exist for the Chief of the Washington State Patrol, through the director of fire protection, to enter all buildings except private dwellings to inspect for fire hazards.  For rental dwellings, a right of entry under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act is given to a landlord to inspect and make necessary repairs.  No provision is made for inspection of the rental unit by any fire department official for violation of the fire code, nor is a landlord required to permit such inspection.

 

Summary of Bill:  A tenant of a dwelling unit cannot unreasonably withhold consent from a fire department official to inspect the dwelling for violations of the fire code.  A landlord cannot deny a fire department official the right to inspect a dwelling unit.

 

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill was not considered.

 

Appropriation:  None.

 

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 8, 2001.

 

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