BILL NUMBER: SB 183INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Senator Lowenthal FEBRUARY 17, 2009 An act to relating to carbon monoxide alarms. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 183, as introduced, Lowenthal. Carbon monoxide alarms. Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations and standards regarding the quality and installation of burglar bars and safety release mechanisms for emergency escape and rescue windows, the approval and installation of smoke detectors, and the approval of portable fire extinguishers for marketing, distribution, and sale in this state. Existing law requires a smoke detector approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal to be installed in a dwelling unit intended for human occupancy. This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to ensure that a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in each dwelling intended for human occupancy with a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. The bill would also make a statement of legislative findings. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (1) According to the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. Each year carbon monoxide kills approximately 500 people and injures another 15,000 people nationwide. (2) According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a person cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. At high levels carbon monoxide can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever any fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal, is burned. (3) Experts estimate that equipping every home with a carbon monoxide device would cut accident-related costs by 93 percent. Sixteen states and a number of large cities have laws mandating the use of carbon monoxide devices. (4) Carbon monoxide devices provide a vital, highly effective, and low-cost protection against carbon monoxide poisoning and these devices should be made available to every home in California. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in each dwelling intended for human occupancy with a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.