Connecticut Senate Bill SB00281

Connecticut 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/18
• Refer: 2/28/18

Caption

An Act Concerning Small Hot Water Heaters, Certain Certifications By State Agencies And The Connecticut Airport Authority, Communication With The State Building Inspector And State Fire Marshal And Revisions To Other Statutes Related To Buildings And Fire Safety.

Impact

The impact of SB00281 would primarily be felt in local building regulation and safety enforcement. By permitting the State Fire Marshal to grant exemptions for compliance in certain circumstances deemed as practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships, the bill aims to facilitate construction activities while maintaining public safety as a priority. Opponents may argue that this could lead to inconsistent enforcement of fire safety standards and potentially endanger public safety if not monitored adequately. Furthermore, the outright removal of some existing statutory requirements raises concerns about oversight in building practices.

Summary

SB00281 is an Act concerning small hot water heaters and various regulatory frameworks pertaining to building construction and fire safety standards in Connecticut. The bill proposes to exempt certain small hot water heaters from the provisions of existing building regulations, potentially easing compliance burdens for homeowners and small-scale developers. Additionally, it removes the requirement for certain certifications from state agencies and the Connecticut Airport Authority regarding compliance with state building codes. This aims to streamline the construction process for public facility projects and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB00281 is likely to revolve around the level of safety maintained under the proposed exemptions, especially in relation to small hot water heaters which can pose risks if improperly installed. Critics may argue that the proposed changes could weaken safety standards and oversight by local fire marshals, thus increasing the risk of fire hazards. Advocates, however, may argue that these changes reflect the need for modernizing regulations to reflect current technology and operational practices within construction, promoting efficiency without sacrificing safety.