ARTICLE
This Legislative Update provides NAFED members with information related to new and/or modified fire protection and fire safety regulations/requirements at the state level. The report is not all-encompassing but rather informational and directional in nature. Should you be interested in learning more about a specific initiative listed, please click on the applicable link. COLORADO CO HB1077: Backflow Prevention Devices Requirements This bill modifies the current licensure requirements for professionals working with backflow prevention devices, which are mechanisms that prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the clean water supply. Specifically, the bill changes existing law to exempt individuals who inspect, test, or repair backflow prevention devices from plumbing licensure requirements, while maintaining the requirement that those who install or remove such devices must still be licensed plumbers. The language shifts from using the term "persons" to "individuals" and clarifies the specific activities that do and do not require professional licensing. By making these changes, the bill aims to provide more precise regulation of professionals working with backflow prevention devices, potentially making it easier for some professionals to perform certain services while ensuring that critical installation and removal work remains under strict licensing oversight. The bill includes a standard safety clause asserting its importance for public health and safety, which is a common feature in legislative documents. Learn More » NEW HAMPSHIRE NH HB244: Updating and Recodifying the Municipal Enforcement of the Building and Fire Code. This bill updates and reorganizes the state's building and fire code regulations by moving various provisions from different parts of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) into a more cohesive section of the law. The bill makes several key changes, including creating new definitions for terms like "local governing body" and "municipality," establishing clearer procedures for building code enforcement, and defining the roles and responsibilities of building inspectors and building code boards of appeals. It also standardizes the process for how municipalities can adopt and amend building codes, including requirements for public hearings and notice. Additionally, the bill maintains existing protections such as prohibitions on requiring sprinkler systems in single-family homes and manufactured housing, and ensures that municipalities cannot restrict a person's choice of heating or energy systems. The bill repeals several existing statutes related to building codes and replaces them with more comprehensive and organized regulations, with the aim of providing clearer guidance and more consistent implementation of building and fire code standards across New Hampshire municipalities. Learn More » OKLAHOMA OK SB148: State Fire Marshal; Allowing Submission to Certain Approved Entities for Building Plan Review This bill modifies Oklahoma's building permit regulations by updating the State Fire Marshal's responsibilities for plan reviews and permit issuance. The bill allows cities, towns, and counties to have plans reviewed by approved entities and provides new requirements for the State Fire Marshal's permit review process. Specifically, the bill establishes that in areas without local permit requirements, individuals can obtain permits from either the State Fire Marshal or an approved plan review entity. The State Fire Marshal must now promulgate rules for this process and is required to provide approval or disapproval of permits within 90 days, with any lack of response within that timeframe resulting in automatic permit approval. The bill maintains existing exemptions for certain structures like single-family homes and dwellings in unincorporated areas, and continues to limit fees that local governments can charge for permits to governmental agencies. Additionally, the bill includes provisions related to assisted living facility construction standards, such as requirements for fire sprinkler systems and occupancy guidelines. The bill is declared an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval. Learn More »
This Legislative Update provides NAFED members with information related to new and/or modified fire protection and fire safety regulations/requirements at the state level. The report is not all-encompassing but rather informational and directional in nature. Should you be interested in learning more about a specific initiative listed, please click on the applicable link.
COLORADO
CO HB1077: Backflow Prevention Devices Requirements This bill modifies the current licensure requirements for professionals working with backflow prevention devices, which are mechanisms that prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the clean water supply. Specifically, the bill changes existing law to exempt individuals who inspect, test, or repair backflow prevention devices from plumbing licensure requirements, while maintaining the requirement that those who install or remove such devices must still be licensed plumbers. The language shifts from using the term "persons" to "individuals" and clarifies the specific activities that do and do not require professional licensing. By making these changes, the bill aims to provide more precise regulation of professionals working with backflow prevention devices, potentially making it easier for some professionals to perform certain services while ensuring that critical installation and removal work remains under strict licensing oversight. The bill includes a standard safety clause asserting its importance for public health and safety, which is a common feature in legislative documents.
Learn More »
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NH HB244: Updating and Recodifying the Municipal Enforcement of the Building and Fire Code. This bill updates and reorganizes the state's building and fire code regulations by moving various provisions from different parts of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) into a more cohesive section of the law. The bill makes several key changes, including creating new definitions for terms like "local governing body" and "municipality," establishing clearer procedures for building code enforcement, and defining the roles and responsibilities of building inspectors and building code boards of appeals. It also standardizes the process for how municipalities can adopt and amend building codes, including requirements for public hearings and notice. Additionally, the bill maintains existing protections such as prohibitions on requiring sprinkler systems in single-family homes and manufactured housing, and ensures that municipalities cannot restrict a person's choice of heating or energy systems. The bill repeals several existing statutes related to building codes and replaces them with more comprehensive and organized regulations, with the aim of providing clearer guidance and more consistent implementation of building and fire code standards across New Hampshire municipalities.
OKLAHOMA
OK SB148: State Fire Marshal; Allowing Submission to Certain Approved Entities for Building Plan Review This bill modifies Oklahoma's building permit regulations by updating the State Fire Marshal's responsibilities for plan reviews and permit issuance. The bill allows cities, towns, and counties to have plans reviewed by approved entities and provides new requirements for the State Fire Marshal's permit review process. Specifically, the bill establishes that in areas without local permit requirements, individuals can obtain permits from either the State Fire Marshal or an approved plan review entity. The State Fire Marshal must now promulgate rules for this process and is required to provide approval or disapproval of permits within 90 days, with any lack of response within that timeframe resulting in automatic permit approval. The bill maintains existing exemptions for certain structures like single-family homes and dwellings in unincorporated areas, and continues to limit fees that local governments can charge for permits to governmental agencies. Additionally, the bill includes provisions related to assisted living facility construction standards, such as requirements for fire sprinkler systems and occupancy guidelines. The bill is declared an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.