SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1779
As of March 13, 2023
Title: An act relating to reducing toxic air pollution that threatens human health.
Brief Description: Reducing toxic air pollution that threatens human health.
Sponsors: House Committee on Environment & Energy (originally sponsored by Representatives Mosbrucker, Dye and Pollet).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/7/23, 93-2.
Committee Activity: Environment, Energy & Technology: 3/15/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes an interagency carbon monoxide workgroup to produce a report on current and recommended future state activities to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by December 1, 2024.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY & TECHNOLOGY
Staff: Gregory Vogel (786-7413)
Background:

Carbon monoxide (CO) is regulated as one of six criteria air pollutants for which the United States Environmental Protection Agency establishes National Ambient Air Quality Standards for outdoor air pollution. At the state level, CO alarms are required under State Building Code Council rules in residential occupancies, and CO warning stickers must be affixed to certain motor-driven vessels. The presence of CO alarms are one of the items that must be addressed on residential and commercial real estate seller disclosure forms.
Summary of Bill:

The Department of Health must convene an interagency CO workgroup that includes representatives from the Department of Ecology, the Director of the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory Division, the Department of Transportation, and the Office of the Attorney General. The purpose of the workgroup is to produce a report on current and future state activities to prevent CO poisoning from sources outside of the home, increase awareness of CO among at-risk populations, collect data on CO incidents, and identify funding sources for public awareness campaigns. The workgroup must submit a report to the Legislature by December 1, 2024, containing recommendations on actions to reduce CO poisoning in Washington. 
 
The act may be known and cited as Mary's Law. 
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.