Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB823

Introduced
1/31/24  
Refer
1/31/24  
Report Pass
3/16/24  
Engrossed
3/18/24  
Refer
3/18/24  
Report Pass
3/29/24  
Enrolled
4/4/24  
Chaptered
5/16/24  

Caption

Fire Protection and Prevention - Residential Rental Property - Requirements (Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act)

Impact

The legislation is poised to significantly alter fire safety regulations in Maryland, particularly impacting older high-rise buildings that do not currently meet modern safety standards. Following the implementation of the bill, owners of non-compliant buildings will be required to make necessary improvements, which may involve considerable investments in fire safety technologies. The establishment of a workgroup to develop best practices further emphasizes the bill’s commitment to improving fire safety procedures, particularly in high-rise buildings constructed before 1974. This initiative is expected to foster collaboration among legislators, fire safety officials, and building managers to develop a tailored approach to these older properties.

Summary

House Bill 823, known as the Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act, introduces critical fire safety requirements for residential high-rise buildings in Maryland. The bill mandates the installation of automatic smoke alarms and delineates safety requirements for apartment buildings taller than seven stories or over 75 feet. It also establishes the need for emergency escape lighting and provides guidelines for tenant notifications regarding fire safety protocols, particularly in buildings lacking a complete sprinkler system. The bill aims to enhance overall fire safety standards across high-rise residential properties, ensuring better protection for tenants.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment towards HB823 appears to be positive, particularly among advocates for tenant safety and fire prevention. Proponents laud the legislation as a necessary step to protect residents in high-rise buildings, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to mitigate fire risks. However, concerns have been raised regarding the financial implications for property owners who may be required to undertake costly upgrades. Some stakeholders suggest that the law could face pushback from landlords and property management companies, leading to a potential contentious debate over the balance between tenant safety and property management costs.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the financial burden placed on landlords and potential disagreements regarding the implementation timeline for the required safety upgrades. Critics may argue that while the intent to protect tenants is commendable, the fiscal implications could result in increased rents or reduction in available housing. Furthermore, the bill allows local jurisdictions to impose stricter regulations, which could lead to a patchwork of standards across the state, potentially complicating compliance for property owners operating multiple buildings in different jurisdictions.

Companion Bills

MD SB689

Crossfiled Fire Protection and Prevention – Residential Rental Property – Requirements (Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act)

Previously Filed As

MD SB970

Fire Protection and Prevention - Sprinkler Systems - Requirements (Melanie Diaz Sprinklers Save Lives Act)

MD HB1292

Fire Protection and Prevention – Sprinkler Systems and Smoke Alarms – Requirements (Melanie Diaz Sprinklers Save Lives Act)

MD HB307

Firearm Safety - Storage Requirements and Youth Suicide Prevention (Jaelynn's Law)

MD SB858

Firearm Safety - Storage Requirements and Youth Suicide Prevention (Jaelynn's Law)

MD HB1018

Public Safety – Online Firearm Sales – Requirements

MD HB837

Condominiums and Homeowners Associations - Residential Property Foreclosure Sales - Purchaser Requirements

MD HB769

Public Safety - Fire Dampers, Smoke Dampers, Combination Fire Smoke Dampers, and Smoke Control Systems

MD HB505

Elevator Safety - Privately Owned Single-Family Residential Elevators - Inspection and Registration Requirements

MD SB198

Elevator Safety – Privately Owned Single–Family Residential Elevators – Inspection and Registration Requirements

MD SB614

Public Safety - Fire Dampers, Smoke Dampers, Combination Fire Smoke Dampers, and Smoke Control Systems

Similar Bills

MD SB689

Fire Protection and Prevention – Residential Rental Property – Requirements (Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act)

SD SB90

Revise certain provisions regarding local building codes.

MD HB962

Public Health - Pediatric Hospital Overstay Patients and Workgroup on Children in Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Overstays

MD SB696

Public Health - Pediatric Hospital Overstay Patients and Workgroup on Children in Unlicensed Settings and Pediatric Overstays

MD HB1516

Financial Institutions - Consumer Credit - Application of Licensing Requirements (Maryland Secondary Market Stability Act of 2025)

MD SB1026

Financial Institutions - Consumer Credit - Application of Licensing Requirements (Maryland Secondary Market Stability Act of 2025)

HI HB144

Relating To Public Safety.

HI HB144

Relating To Public Safety.