Connecticut Senate Bill SB00427

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/20
• Refer: 3/5/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Fire Prevention Code And Fire Safety Code.

Impact

The new provisions introduced in SB00427 specify that the State Fire Prevention Code will apply to both historical and newly constructed buildings, depending on their construction date. Furthermore, the bill enhances the enforcement capabilities of local fire marshals, enabling them to penalize non-compliance more effectively. As a result, it is expected that the overall fire safety measures within commercial and public buildings will significantly improve across the state, promoting a reduced risk of fire-related incidents and associated injuries.

Summary

SB00427 is a legislative proposal aiming to amend and clarify the State Fire Prevention Code and Fire Safety Code in order to enhance fire safety protocols and establish better enforcement mechanisms. One of the primary goals of the bill is to consolidate the authority of the State Fire Marshal while ensuring that proposed codes and amendments undergo a thorough review process. This includes engaging with a newly defined Fire Prevention Code Committee, which will be responsible for overseeing proposed changes and maintaining alignment with nationally recognized standards for fire prevention.

Contention

Despite the focus on enhancing public safety, discussions surrounding SB00427 have raised concerns regarding the sufficiency of local autonomy in enforcing fire safety regulations. Some local authorities fear that centralizing power with the State Fire Marshal may overlook specific community needs or lead to less localized decision-making. Additionally, there may be contention around financial implications, particularly concerning how municipalities will fund the necessary inspections and compliance measures associated with the new fire safety requirements.