BILL REQ. #:  H-3943.2 

Prefiled 01/09/08. Read first time 01/14/08.   Referred to Committee on Local Government.

     AN ACT Relating to fire sprinkler systems in private residences; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that fire sprinkler systems in private residences can prevent catastrophic loses of life and property, but that financial, technical, and other issues often discourage property owners from installing these protective systems.
     In response to these recognized benefits and circumstances, the legislature intends the state building code council to convene a technical advisory group to examine issues, barriers, and incentives pertaining to private residential fire sprinkler systems. The legislature further intends the council to develop recommendations for eradicating barriers that prevent the voluntary installation of sprinkler systems in private residences and to report the findings of the advisory group. The legislature expects the efforts of the council and the advisory group to prove beneficial in developing new and successful approaches to protecting the lives and property of Washingtonians by promoting the installation of sprinkler systems in private residences.
     The legislature does not intend to establish an actual or implied mandate for the installation of private residential fire sprinkler systems, nor does the legislature intend to diminish or otherwise affect the regulatory authority of local governments.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The state building code council must convene a technical advisory group on private residential fire sprinkler systems. The advisory group must research and review policies and procedures pertaining to private residential fire sprinkler systems, including technical, statutory, and liability issues, that promote or discourage the installation of sprinkler systems in private residences.
     (2)(a) The advisory group must consist of representatives from:
     (i) A city association;
     (ii) A county association;
     (iii) A building officials association;
     (iv) A special purpose water-sewer district association;
     (v) A public utility district association;
     (vi) A mutual water company;
     (vii) The department of health; and
     (viii) The department of ecology.
     (b) The advisory group must also consist of:
     (i) A fire marshal;
     (ii) A licensed residential fire sprinkler contractor;
     (iii) An architect;
     (iv) A residential builder; and
     (v) Other representatives deemed necessary by the council to fulfill the requirements of this section.
     (3) The state building code council must: (a) Develop recommendations for eradicating barriers that prevent the voluntary installation of sprinkler systems in private residences. Recommendations under this subsection (3) must consider the work of the advisory group; and (b) report the findings of the advisory group to the appropriate committees of the house of representatives and the senate by January 15, 2009.