MD
Maryland House Bill HB823

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB823 Compare Versions

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1- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 744
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 744
5-(House Bill 823)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *hb0823*
89
9-Fire Protection and Prevention – Residential Rental Property – Requirements
10-(Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act)
10+HOUSE BILL 823
11+E4, Q1 4lr1987
12+ CF SB 689
13+By: Delegate Charkoudian Delegates Charkoudian, Addison, Allen, Boyce, Foley,
14+Guyton, Jacobs, Lehman, J. Long, T. Morgan, Ruth, Stein, Stewart, and
15+Terrasa
16+Introduced and read first time: January 31, 2024
17+Assigned to: Environment and Transportation and Ways and Means
18+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
19+House action: Adopted
20+Read second time: March 7, 2024
1121
12-FOR the purpose of establishing certain requirements relating to the installation of certain
13-fire safety equipment in residential rental high–rise buildings and certain other
14-property; requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development, in
15-coordination with the State Fire Marshal, to identify and publish information on
16-certain funding sources; authorizing the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City
17-or the governing body of a county or municipal corporation to grant, by law, a certain
18-property tax credit against the county or municipal corporation property tax imposed
19-on an apartment building or condominium building if the owner or condominium
20-association made fire safety improvements to the building on or after a certain date;
21-establishing the Workgroup to Develop Fire Safety Best Practices for Pre–1974
22-High–Rise Apartment Buildings; and generally relating to fire protection and
23-prevention in high–rise buildings.
22+CHAPTER ______
2423
25-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
26- Article – Public Safety
27-Section 9–102, 9–105, 9–403, and 9–405
28- Annotated Code of Maryland
29- (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
24+AN ACT concerning 1
3025
31-BY adding to
32- Article – Public Safety
33-Section 9–406
34- Annotated Code of Maryland
35- (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
26+Fire Protection and Prevention – Residential Rental Property – Requirements 2
27+(Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act) 3
3628
37-BY adding to
38- Article – Tax – Property
39- Section 9–268
40- Annotated Code of Maryland
41- (2019 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
29+FOR the purpose of establishing certain requirements relating to the installation of certain 4
30+fire safety equipment in residential rental high–rise buildings and certain other 5
31+property; requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development, in 6
32+coordination with the State Fire Marshal, to identify and publish information on 7
33+certain funding sources; authorizing the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City 8
34+or the governing body of a county or municipal corporation to grant, by law, a certain 9
35+property tax credit against the county or municipal corporation property tax imposed 10
36+on an apartment building or condominium building if the owner or condominium 11
37+association made fire safety improvements to the building on or after a certain date; 12
38+establishing the Workgroup to Develop Fire Safety Best Practices for Pre–1974 13
39+High–Rise Apartment Buildings; and generally relating to fire protection and 14
40+prevention in high–rise buildings. 15
4241
43- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
44-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
42+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 16
43+ Article – Public Safety 17
44+Section 9–102, 9–105, 9–403, and 9–405 18
45+ Annotated Code of Maryland 19
46+ (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 20
4547
46-Article – Public Safety
48+BY adding to 21 2 HOUSE BILL 823
4749
48-9–102.
49- Ch. 744 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
5050
51-– 2 –
52- (a) (1) IN THIS SECTION, “HIGH–RISE BUILDING” MEANS A BUILDING FOR
53-HUMAN OCCUPANCY THAT IS:
51+ Article – Public Safety 1
52+Section 9–406 2
53+ Annotated Code of Maryland 3
54+ (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 4
5455
55- (I) SEVEN OR MORE STORIE S ABOVE GRADE LEVEL ; OR
56+BY adding to 5
57+ Article – Tax – Property 6
58+ Section 9–268 7
59+ Annotated Code of Maryland 8
60+ (2019 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 9
5661
57- (II) OVER 75 FEET IN HEIGHT.
62+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 10
63+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 11
5864
59- (2) “HIGH–RISE BUILDING” DOES NOT INCLUDE :
65+Article – Public Safety 12
6066
61- (I) A STRUCTURE OR BUILD ING USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR
62-OPEN–AIR PARKING; OR
67+9–102. 13
6368
64- (II) A BUILDING USED EXCL USIVELY FOR AGRICULT URAL
65-PURPOSES.
69+ (a) (1) IN THIS SECTION, “HIGH–RISE BUILDING” MEANS A BUILDING FOR 14
70+HUMAN OCCUPANCY THAT IS: 15
6671
67- (B) This subtitle applies throughout the State, including Baltimore City.
72+ (I) SEVEN OR MORE STORIE S ABOVE GRADE LEVEL ; OR 16
6873
69- (b) (C) (1) An automatic smoke alarm shall be provided in each sleeping
70-area within each residential occupancy, including one– and two–family dwellings, lodging
71-or rooming houses, hotels, dormitories, and apartment buildings, as defined in NFPA 101:
72-Life Safety Code as adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission.
74+ (II) OVER 75 FEET IN HEIGHT. 17
7375
74- (2) (I) BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024, SMOKE DETECTION EQUI PMENT
75-CONSISTENT WITH NFPA 72: NATIONAL FIRE ALARM AND SIGNALING CODE
76-STANDARDS 31, 2025, SMOKE DETECTORS SHALL BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE
77-WITH LOCATION AND SP ACING REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY THE NATIONAL
78-FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION IN EACH INTERIOR PUBLIC CORRIDOR
79-ACCESSIBLE BY UNITS IN A RESIDENTIAL REN TAL HIGH–RISE BUILDING.
76+ (2) “HIGH–RISE BUILDING” DOES NOT INCLUDE : 18
8077
81- (II) A COUNTY MAY NOT REQUI RE UPGRADES TO FIRE SAFETY
82-SYSTEMS NOT SPECIFIE D IN SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH AS A
83-CONDITION OF ISSUING A PERMIT FOR THE INS TALLATION OF SMOKE D ETECTORS
84-REQUIRED UNDER SUBPA RAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH .
78+ (I) A STRUCTURE OR BUILD ING USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR 19
79+OPEN–AIR PARKING; OR 20
8580
86- (c) (D) Smoke alarms shall:
81+ (II) A BUILDING USED EXCL USIVELY FOR AGRICULT URAL 21
82+PURPOSES. 22
8783
88- (1) be installed in accordance with NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm AND
89-SIGNALING Code as referenced by the State Fire Prevention Code;
84+ (B) This subtitle applies throughout the State, including Baltimore City. 23
9085
91- (2) be listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to
92-comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 217, “Standard for safety for single and
93-multiple station smoke alarms”;
86+ (b) (C) (1) An automatic smoke alarm shall be provided in each sleeping 24
87+area within each residential occupancy, including one– and two–family dwellings, lodging 25
88+or rooming houses, hotels, dormitories, and apartment buildings, as defined in NFPA 101: 26
89+Life Safety Code as adopted by the State Fire Prevention Commission. 27
9490
95- (3) be suitable for sensing visible or invisible products of combustion; and WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 744
91+ (2) (I) BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024, SMOKE DETECTION EQUI PMENT 28
92+CONSISTENT WITH NFPA 72: NATIONAL FIRE ALARM AND SIGNALING CODE 29
93+STANDARDS 31, 2025, SMOKE DETECTORS SHALL BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE 30
94+WITH LOCATI ON AND SPACING REQUI REMENTS ESTABLISHED BY THE NATIONAL 31
95+FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION IN EACH INTERIOR PUBLIC CORRIDOR 32
96+ACCESSIBLE BY UNITS IN A RESIDENTIAL REN TAL HIGH–RISE BUILDING. 33 HOUSE BILL 823 3
9697
97-– 3 –
9898
99- (4) sound an alarm suitable to warn the occupants.
10099
101- (d) (E) Local jurisdictions may adopt smoke alarm regulations that are more
102-stringent than the provisions of this subtitle.
100+ (II) A COUNTY MAY NOT REQUI RE UPGRADES TO FIRE SAFETY 1
101+SYSTEMS NOT SPECIFIED IN SUBPARA GRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH AS A 2
102+CONDITION OF ISSUING A PERMIT FOR THE INS TALLATION OF SMOKE D ETECTORS 3
103+REQUIRED UNDER SUBPA RAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH . 4
103104
104-9–105.
105+ (c) (D) Smoke alarms shall: 5
105106
106- (a) Each sleeping room occupied by a deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing
107-individual shall be provided with a smoke alarm suitable to alert the deaf, DEAFBLIND, or
108-hard of hearing individual.
107+ (1) be installed in accordance with NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm AND 6
108+SIGNALING Code as referenced by the State Fire Prevention Code; 7
109109
110- (b) (1) On written request on behalf of a tenant who is deaf, DEAFBLIND, or
111-hard of hearing, a sleeping room occupied by a deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing
112-individual shall be provided with an approved notification appliance designed to alert deaf,
113-DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing individuals.
110+ (2) be listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to 8
111+comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 217, “Standard for safety for single and 9
112+multiple station smoke alarms”; 10
114113
115- (2) The landlord shall provide a notification appliance that, when
116-activated, provides a signal that is sufficient to warn the deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of
117-hearing tenant in those sleeping rooms.
114+ (3) be suitable for sensing visible or invisible products of combustion; and 11
118115
119- (3) THE LANDLORD MAY NOT REQUIRE THAT A TENAN T:
116+ (4) sound an alarm suitable to warn the occupants. 12
120117
121- (I) PAY FOR THE PU RCHASE OR INSTALLATI ON OF A
122-NOTIFICATION APPLIAN CE; OR
118+ (d) (E) Local jurisdictions may adopt smoke alarm regulations that are more 13
119+stringent than the provisions of this subtitle. 14
123120
124- (II) PROVIDE ANY SUPPORTI NG DOCUMENTATION OR OTHER
125-FORM OF EVIDENCE WIT H A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR A NOTIFICATION A PPLIANCE.
121+9–105. 15
126122
127- (c) Hotels and motels shall have available at least one approved notification
128-appliance for the deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing individual for each 50 units or
129-fraction of 50 units.
123+ (a) Each sleeping room occupied by a deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing 16
124+individual shall be provided with a smoke alarm suitable to alert the deaf, DEAFBLIND, or 17
125+hard of hearing individual. 18
130126
131- (d) Hotels and motels shall post in a conspicuous place at the registration desk a
132-permanent sign that states the availability of smoke alarm notification appliances for the
133-deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing individual.
127+ (b) (1) On written request on behalf of a tenant who is deaf, DEAFBLIND, or 19
128+hard of hearing, a sleeping room occupied by a deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing 20
129+individual shall be provided with an approved notification appliance designed to alert deaf, 21
130+DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing individuals. 22
134131
135- (e) (1) Hotels and motels may require a refundable deposit for notification
136-appliances for the deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing individual.
132+ (2) The landlord shall provide a notification appliance that, when 23
133+activated, provides a signal that is sufficient to warn the deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of 24
134+hearing tenant in those sleeping rooms. 25
137135
138- (2) The amount of the deposit may not exceed the value of the notification
139-appliance.
136+ (3) THE LANDLORD MAY NOT REQUIRE THAT A TENANT : 26
140137
141- (f) A landlord may NOT require reimbursement from a tenant for the cost of a
142-smoke alarm required under this section. Ch. 744 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
138+ (I) PAY FOR THE PURCHASE OR INSTALLATION OF A 27
139+NOTIFICATION APPLIAN CE; OR 28
143140
144-– 4 –
141+ (II) PROVIDE ANY SUPPORTI NG DOCUMENTATION OR OTHER 29
142+FORM OF EVIDENCE WIT H A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR A NOTIFICATION A PPLIANCE. 30
143+ 4 HOUSE BILL 823
145144
146-9–403.
147145
148- (a) Each high–rise building constructed after July 1, 1974, shall be protected by
149-a complete automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with accepted engineering
150-practices as approved by the authority with jurisdiction.
146+ (c) Hotels and motels shall have available at least one approved notification 1
147+appliance for the deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing individual for each 50 units or 2
148+fraction of 50 units. 3
151149
152- (b) (1) This section does not apply to a building that is less than 75 feet in
153-height above grade level if:
150+ (d) Hotels and motels shall post in a conspicuous place at the registration desk a 4
151+permanent sign that states the availability of smoke alarm notification appliances for the 5
152+deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing individual. 6
154153
155- (i) the local fire department has at least one approved first line piece
156-of aerial equipment that is capable of reaching the roof of the building; and
154+ (e) (1) Hotels and motels may require a refundable deposit for notification 7
155+appliances for the deaf, DEAFBLIND, or hard of hearing individual. 8
157156
158- (ii) accessibility to the building is provided on two sides of the
159-perimeter of the building by a public way that is:
157+ (2) The amount of the deposit may not exceed the value of the notification 9
158+appliance. 10
160159
161- 1. kept accessible at all times to the local fire department;
162-and
160+ (f) A landlord may NOT require reimbursement from a tenant for the cost of a 11
161+smoke alarm required under this section. 12
163162
164- 2. close enough to the building to allow the fire department
165-aerial equipment to reach 75 feet in height.
163+9–403. 13
166164
167- (2) For purposes of this subsection, height above grade level shall be
168-determined by using the lowest elevation of the public way as a reference datum.
165+ (a) Each high–rise building constructed after July 1, 1974, shall be protected by 14
166+a complete automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with accepted engineering 15
167+practices as approved by the authority with jurisdiction. 16
169168
170- (C) (1) BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024, THE OWNER OF A RESID ENTIAL RENTAL
171-HIGH–RISE BUILDING THAT I S NOT PROTECTED BY A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC
172-SPRINKLER SYSTEM SHALL POST NOTICE IN THE BUILDI NG IN ACCORDANCE WIT H
173-PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION .
169+ (b) (1) This section does not apply to a building that is less than 75 feet in 17
170+height above grade level if: 18
174171
175- (2) NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION
176-SHALL:
172+ (i) the local fire department has at least one approved first line piece 19
173+of aerial equipment that is capable of reaching the roof of the building; and 20
177174
178- (I) STATE, IN LETTERING THAT IS AT LEAST 1 INCH HIGH AND
179-ON A CONTRASTING BAC KGROUND, “WARNING: THIS HIGH–RISE BUILDING
180-IS NOT PROTECTED THROUGHOUT BY A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC
181-SPRINKLER SYSTEM”; AND
175+ (ii) accessibility to the building is provided on two sides of the 21
176+perimeter of the building by a public way that is: 22
182177
183- (II) BE CONSPICUOUSLY POS TED AT ALL MAIN BUIL DING
184-ENTRANCES AS APPROVE D BY THE AUTHORITY H AVING JURISDICTION .
178+ 1. kept accessible at all times to the local fire department; 23
179+and 24
185180
186- (D) (1) BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024 JANUARY 1, 2025, AND CONTINUING
187-UNTIL A RESIDENTIAL RENTAL HIGH–RISE BUILDING IS PRO TECTED BY A COMPLETE
188-AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM, THE OWNER OF A RESID ENTIAL RENTAL
189-HIGH–RISE BUILDING THAT I S NOT PROTECTED SHAL L INCLUDE IN ANY LEA SE WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 744
181+ 2. close enough to the building to allow the fire department 25
182+aerial equipment to reach 75 feet in height. 26
190183
191-– 5 –
192-AGREEMENT CONSPICUOU S NOTICE INDICATING THAT THE BUILDING IS NOT
193-CURRENTLY PROTECTED BY A COMPLETE AUTOMA TIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM .
184+ (2) For purposes of this subsection, height above grade level shall be 27
185+determined by using the lowest elevation of the public way as a reference datum. 28
194186
195- (2) NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION
196-SHALL BE INITIALED B Y THE TENANT.
187+ (C) (1) BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024, THE OWNER OF A RESID ENTIAL RENTAL 29
188+HIGH–RISE BUILDING THAT I S NOT PROT ECTED BY A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC 30
189+SPRINKLER SYSTEM SHA LL POST NOTICE IN TH E BUILDING IN ACCORD ANCE WITH 31
190+PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS SUBSECTION . 32
191+ HOUSE BILL 823 5
197192
198- (E) (1) THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
199-DEVELOPMENT , IN COORDINATION WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND THE
200-MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT , SHALL IDENTIFY
201-FUNDING SOURCES THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE TO THE OWNER OF A RESID ENTIAL
202-RENTAL HIGH –RISE BUILDING OR THE GOVERNING BOD Y OF A CONDOMINIUM O R
203-COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION TO AID THE OWNER OR GOVERNING BODY IN
204-PROTECTING THE BUILD ING WITH A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM.
205193
206- (2) THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
207-DEVELOPMENT SHALL PUB LISH INFORMATION ON FUNDI NG SOURCES IDENTIFIE D
208-UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION O N THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
209-AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ’S WEBSITE.
194+ (2) NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION 1
195+SHALL: 2
210196
211-9–405.
197+ (I) STATE, IN LETTERING THAT IS AT LEAST 1 INCH HIGH AND 3
198+ON A CONTRASTING BAC KGROUND, “WARNING: THIS HIGH–RISE BUILDING 4
199+IS NOT PROTECTED THROUGHOUT BY A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC 5
200+SPRINKLER SYSTEM”; AND 6
212201
213- (A) For fire safety purposes, the owner of a residential high–rise building with
214-rental units shall provide:
202+ (II) BE CONSPICUOUSLY POS TED AT ALL MAIN BUIL DING 7
203+ENTRANCES AS APPROVE D BY THE AUTHORITY H AVING JURISDICTI ON. 8
215204
216- (1) reasonable written notice annually to all residents of the residential
217-high–rise building to inform residents who are mobility impaired of their right to request a
218-rental unit on the first five floors of the high–rise building if one should become available;
219-AND
205+ (D) (1) BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024 JANUARY 1, 2025, AND CONTINUING 9
206+UNTIL A RESIDENTIAL RENTAL HIGH–RISE BUILDING IS PRO TECTED BY A COMPLETE 10
207+AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM, THE OWNER OF A RESID ENTIAL RENTAL 11
208+HIGH–RISE BUILDING THAT I S NOT PROTECTED SHAL L INCLUDE IN ANY LEASE 12
209+AGREEMENT CONSPICUOU S NOTICE INDICATING THAT THE BUILDING IS NOT 13
210+CURRENTLY PROTECTED BY A COMPLETE AUTOMA TIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM . 14
220211
221- (2) FIRE SAFETY AND BUIL DING EVACUATION INFO RMATION AND
222-INSTRUCTION TO :
212+ (2) NOTICE REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION 15
213+SHALL BE INITIALED B Y THE TENANT. 16
223214
224- (I) NEW TENANTS AT THE C OMMENCEMENT OF OCCUP ANCY;
225-AND
215+ (E) (1) THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY 17
216+DEVELOPMENT , IN COORDINATION WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL AND THE 18
217+MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT , SHALL IDENTIFY 19
218+FUNDING SOURCES THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE TO THE OWNER OF A RESID ENTIAL 20
219+RENTAL HIGH –RISE BUILDING OR THE GOVERNING BOD Y OF A CONDOMINIUM O R 21
220+COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION TO AID THE OWNER OR GOVERNING BODY IN 22
221+PROTECTING THE BUILD ING WITH A COMPLETE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM. 23
226222
227- (II) EXISTING TENANTS EVE RY 6 MONTHS 2 YEARS.
223+ (2) THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY 24
224+DEVELOPMENT SHALL PUB LISH INFORMATION ON FUNDING SOURCES IDENTIFIED 25
225+UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION O N THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING 26
226+AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ’S WEBSITE. 27
228227
229- (B) INFORMATION AND INSTR UCTION PROVIDED UNDE R SUBSECTION (A)(2)
230-OF THIS SECTION SHAL L INCLUDE IDENTIFICA TION OF FIRE ALARM S YSTEM
231-ELEMENTS IN THE BUIL DING.
228+9–405. 28
232229
233-9–406.
234- Ch. 744 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
230+ (A) For fire safety purposes, the owner of a residential high–rise building with 29
231+rental units shall provide: 30
235232
236-– 6 –
237- EACH RESIDENTIAL RENT AL HIGH–RISE BUILDING SHALL BE EQUIPPED WITH
238-EMERGENCY ESCAPE LIG HTING CONSISTENT WIT H APPLICABLE NFPA STANDARDS
239-FOR ALL COMMON MEANS O F EGRESS.
233+ (1) reasonable written notice annually to all residents of the residential 31
234+high–rise building to inform residents who are mobility impaired of their right to request a 32
235+rental unit on the first five floors of the high–rise building if one should become available; 33
236+AND 34
237+ 6 HOUSE BILL 823
240238
241-Article – Tax – Property
242239
243-9–268.
240+ (2) FIRE SAFETY AND BUIL DING EVACUATION INFO RMATION AND 1
241+INSTRUCTION TO : 2
244242
245- (A) THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE CITY OR THE
246-GOVERNING BODY OF A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION MAY GRAN T, BY LAW,
247-A TAX CREDIT AGAINST THE COUNTY OR MUNICI PAL CORPORATION PROP ERTY TAX
248-IMPOSED ON AN APARTM ENT BUILDING OR, A CONDOMINIUM BUILDI NG, OR A
249-BUILDING OWNED BY A COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION IF THE OWNER OF
250-THE APARTMENT BUILDI NG OR, THE CONDOMINIUM ASSO CIATION, OR THE
251-COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION MADE FIRE SAFETY IMP ROVEMENTS TO THE
252-BUILDING ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2024.
243+ (I) NEW TENANTS AT THE C OMMENCEMENT OF OCCUP ANCY; 3
244+AND 4
253245
254- (B) THE MAYOR AN D CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE CITY OR THE
255-GOVERNING BODY OF A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION MAY PROV IDE, BY
256-LAW, FOR:
246+ (II) EXISTING TENANTS EVE RY 6 MONTHS 2 YEARS. 5
257247
258- (1) THE AMOUNT AND DURAT ION OF THE TAX CREDI T UNDER THIS
259-SECTION;
248+ (B) INFORMATION AND INSTR UCTION PROVIDED UNDE R SUBSECTION (A)(2) 6
249+OF THIS SECTION SHAL L INCLUDE IDENTIFICA TION OF FIRE ALARM S YSTEM 7
250+ELEMENTS IN THE BUIL DING. 8
260251
261- (2) ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILI TY CRITERIA FOR THE TAX CREDIT UNDER
262-THIS SECTION; AND
252+9–406. 9
263253
264- (3) ANY OTHER PROVISION NECESSARY TO CARRY O UT THIS SECTION.
254+ EACH RESIDENTIAL RENT AL HIGH–RISE BUILDING SHALL BE EQUIPPED WITH 10
255+EMERGENCY ESCAPE LIG HTING CONSISTENT WIT H APPLICABLE NFPA STANDARDS 11
256+FOR ALL COMMON MEANS OF EGRESS. 12
265257
266- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
258+Article – Tax – Property 13
267259
268- (a) There is a Workgroup to Develop Fire Safety Best Practices for Pre–1974
269-High–Rise Apartment Buildings.
260+9–268. 14
270261
271- (b) The Workgroup consists of the following members:
262+ (A) THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE CITY OR THE 15
263+GOVERNING BODY OF A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION MAY GRAN T, BY LAW, 16
264+A TAX CREDIT AGAINST THE COUNTY OR MUNICI PAL CORPO RATION PROPERTY TAX 17
265+IMPOSED ON AN APARTM ENT BUILDING OR, A CONDOMINIUM BUILDI NG, OR A 18
266+BUILDING OWNED BY A COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION IF THE OWNER OF 19
267+THE APARTMENT BUILDI NG OR, THE CONDOMINIUM ASSO CIATION, OR THE 20
268+COOPERATIVE HOUSING CORPORATION MADE FIRE SAFETY IMPROVEMEN TS TO THE 21
269+BUILDING ON OR AFTER JULY 1, 2024. 22
272270
273- (1) one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of
274-the Senate;
271+ (B) THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE CITY OR THE 23
272+GOVERNING BODY OF A COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL CORPORATION MAY PROV IDE, BY 24
273+LAW, FOR: 25
275274
276- (2) one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the
277-House;
275+ (1) THE AMOUNT AND DURAT ION OF THE TAX CREDI T UNDER THIS 26
276+SECTION; 27
278277
279- (3) the State Fire Marshal, or the State Fire Marshal’s designee;
280- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 744
278+ (2) ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILI TY CRITERIA FOR THE TAX CREDIT UNDER 28
279+THIS SECTION; AND 29
281280
282-– 7 –
283- (4) the chair of the State Fire Prevention Commission, or the chair’s
284-designee;
281+ (3) ANY OTHER PROVISION NECESSARY TO CARRY O UT THIS SECTION. 30
285282
286- (5) the president of the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, or the
287-president’s designee;
283+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 31
284+ HOUSE BILL 823 7
288285
289- (6) the president of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, or the
290-president’s designee; and
291286
292- (7) the following members, appointed by the Governor:
287+ (a) There is a Workgroup to Develop Fire Safety Best Practices for Pre–1974 1
288+High–Rise Apartment Buildings. 2
293289
294- (i) one representative of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland;
290+ (b) The Workgroup consists of the following members: 3
295291
296- (ii) one representative of a fire sprinkler trade association;
292+ (1) one member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of 4
293+the Senate; 5
297294
298- (iii) one representative of a fire alarm trade association;
295+ (2) one member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the 6
296+House; 7
299297
300- (iv) one licensed architect;
298+ (3) the State Fire Marshal, or the State Fire Marshal’s designee; 8
301299
302- (v) one fire protection engineer;
300+ (4) the chair of the State Fire Prevention Commission, or the chair’s 9
301+designee; 10
303302
304- (vi) one representative two representatives of a building owners and
305-managers association; and
303+ (5) the president of the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, or the 11
304+president’s designee; 12
306305
307- (vii) one full–time resident of a high–rise building located in the
308-State.
306+ (6) the president of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, or the 13
307+president’s designee; and 14
309308
310- (c) The State Fire Marshal or the State Fire Marshal’s designee shall serve as the
311-chair of the Workgroup.
309+ (7) the following members, appointed by the Governor: 15
312310
313- (d) The Department of State Police shall provide staff for the Workgroup.
311+ (i) one representative of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland; 16
314312
315- (e) A member of the Workgroup:
313+ (ii) one representative of a fire sprinkler trade association; 17
316314
317- (1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Workgroup; but
315+ (iii) one representative of a fire alarm trade association; 18
318316
319- (2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State
320-Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
317+ (iv) one licensed architect; 19
321318
322- (f) (1) The Workgroup shall:
319+ (v) one fire protection engineer; 20
323320
324- (i) study current strategies, practices, and technology for the
325-installation of fire alarm and automatic fire sprinkler systems in residential rental
326-high–rise buildings constructed before 1974; and
327- Ch. 744 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
321+ (vi) one representative two representatives of a building owners and 21
322+managers association; and 22
328323
329-– 8 –
330- (ii) develop best practices and make recommendations for the
331-installation of such systems in residential rental high–rise buildings constructed before
332-1974 in the State.
324+ (vii) one full–time resident of a high–rise building located in the 23
325+State. 24
333326
334- (2) In developing recommendations under paragraph (1) of this section, the
335-Workgroup shall consider:
327+ (c) The State Fire Marshal or the State Fire Marshal’s designee shall serve as the 25
328+chair of the Workgroup. 26
336329
337- (i) the cost, design, installation, testing, and maintenance of
338-automatic fire sprinkler systems;
330+ (d) The Department of State Police shall provide staff for the Workgroup. 27
339331
340- (ii) the duration of installation and the intensity of the disruption of
341-normal occupancy in high–rise rental buildings; and
332+ (e) A member of the Workgroup: 28
333+ 8 HOUSE BILL 823
342334
343- (iii) the availability and feasibility of alternative approved protection
344-systems and arrangements.
345335
346- (i) study fire safety risks in high–rise apartment buildings that do
347-not have automatic sprinkler systems or other fire safety technology;
336+ (1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Workgroup; but 1
348337
349- (ii) study current strategies, practices, and technology to mitigate
350-fire risks, maximize evacuation of occupants, and allow for greater access and more
351-expedient responses by emergency response professionals; and
338+ (2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State 2
339+Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. 3
352340
353- (iii) develop recommendations and best practices for the
354-improvement of fire safety in high–rise apartment buildings that do not have fire sprinkler
355-systems and other fire safety technology.
341+ (f) (1) The Workgroup shall: 4
356342
357- (2) In developing recommendations under paragraph (1) of this section, the
358-Workgroup shall consider:
343+ (i) study current strategies, practices, and technology for the 5
344+installation of fire alarm and automatic fire sprinkler systems in residential rental 6
345+high–rise buildings constructed before 1974; and 7
359346
360- (i) the availability, feasibility, and degree of fire hazard mitigation
361-of each alternative fire protection system or arrangement;
347+ (ii) develop best practices and make recommendations for the 8
348+installation of such systems in residential rental high–rise buildings constructed before 9
349+1974 in the State. 10
362350
363- (ii) the cost, design, installation, testing, and maintenance of each
364-fire protection system; and
351+ (2) In developing recommendations under paragraph (1) of this section, the 11
352+Workgroup shall consider: 12
365353
366- (iii) the duration of installation for each alternative fire protection
367-system and the intensity of the disruption of normal occupancy caused by installation.
354+ (i) the cost, design, installation, testing, and maintenance of 13
355+automatic fire sprinkler systems; 14
368356
369- (g) On or before December 31, 2024, the Workgroup shall report its findings and
370-recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State
371-Government Article, the General Assembly.
357+ (ii) the duration of installation and the intensity of the disruption of 15
358+normal occupancy in high–rise rental buildings; and 16
372359
373- SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 1 of this Act shall take
374-effect July 1, 2024.
375- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 744
360+ (iii) the availability and feasibility of alternative approved protection 17
361+systems and arrangements. 18
376362
377-– 9 –
378- SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as provided in Section
379-3 of this Act, this Act shall take effect June 1, 2024. Section 2 of this Act shall remain
380-effective for a period of 1 year and 1 month and, at the end of June 30, 2025, Section 2 of
381-this Act, with no further action required by the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and
382-of no further force and effect.
363+ (i) study fire safety risks in high–rise apartment buildings that do 19
364+not have automatic sprinkler systems or other fire safety technology; 20
383365
384-Approved by the Governor, May 16, 2024.
366+ (ii) study current strategies, practices, and technology to mitigate 21
367+fire risks, maximize evacuation of occupants, and allow for greater access and more 22
368+expedient responses by emergency response professionals; and 23
369+
370+ (iii) develop recommendations and best practices for the 24
371+improvement of fire safety in high–rise apartment buildings that do not have fire sprinkler 25
372+systems and other fire safety technology. 26
373+
374+ (2) In developing recommendations under paragraph (1) of this section, the 27
375+Workgroup shall consider: 28
376+
377+ (i) the availability, feasibility, and degree of fire hazard mitigation 29
378+of each alternative fire protection system or arrangement; 30
379+
380+ (ii) the cost, design, installation, testing, and maintenance of each 31
381+fire protection system; and 32
382+ HOUSE BILL 823 9
383+
384+
385+ (iii) the duration of installation for each alternative fire protection 1
386+system and the intensity of the disruption of normal occupancy caused by installation. 2
387+
388+ (g) On or before December 31, 2024, the Workgroup shall report its findings and 3
389+recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with § 2 –1257 of the State 4
390+Government Article, the General Assembly. 5
391+
392+ SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 1 of this Act shall take 6
393+effect July 1, 2024. 7
394+
395+ SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, except as provided in Section 8
396+3 of this Act, this Act shall take effect June 1, 2024. Section 2 of this Act shall remain 9
397+effective for a period of 1 year and 1 month and, at the end of June 30, 2025, Section 2 of 10
398+this Act, with no further action required by the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and 11
399+of no further force and effect. 12
400+
401+
402+
403+
404+Approved:
405+________________________________________________________________________________
406+ Governor.
407+________________________________________________________________________________
408+ Speaker of the House of Delegates.
409+________________________________________________________________________________
410+ President of the Senate.