FINAL BILL REPORT
SB 6090
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
C 149 L 20
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Limiting fire protection service agency liability for the installation of detection devices.
Sponsors: Senators Warnick, Honeyford and Liias.
Senate Committee on Local Government
House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary
Background: Fire Protection Districts. Fire protection districts (fire districts) are created to provide fire and emergency services to protect life and property in locations outside of cities and towns. A fire district may be established through a process involving a petition by the residents of a proposed district, a public hearing, and three-fifths voter approval. Fire districts are governed by a board of three, five, or seven elected fire commissioners.
Summary: Any fire protection service agency or individual firefighters, whether volunteer or paid, that delivers to, or installs at, residential premises a device or batteries for such a device is not liable for civil damages resulting from any act or omission in the delivery or installation of a device or batteries for such a device, if the following criteria are met:
the device is new and meets all applicable current safety and manufacturing standards;
installation was done in conformance with the manufacturer's instructions;
such installation or delivery was in the fire protection service agency's official capacity; and
the act or omission did not constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
"Device" includes any battery-operated or plug-in smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, or combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Any fire protection service agency delivering or installing a device must keep records as required for public records purposes.
Votes on Final Passage:
Senate | 44 | 0 | |
House | 96 | 0 | (House amended) |
Senate | 48 | 0 | (Senate concurred) |
Effective: | June 11, 2020 |