The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 277, aims to implement recommendations from the Department of Administrative Services concerning fire marshal qualifications, burn injury reporting, and accessibility provisions within the State Building Code. Key changes include the establishment of new minimum qualification standards for local fire marshals and inspectors, which now require certification and a minimum of two years of relevant experience in various fire safety and prevention activities. Additionally, the State Fire Marshal will have the authority to issue official interpretations of the Fire Safety Code, which will be compiled and published periodically.

The bill also mandates the Department of Public Health to report annually on burn injuries and related fatalities, utilizing death certificate and hospital discharge data. Furthermore, it updates accessibility requirements for polling places and public parking garages, ensuring compliance with the State Building Code. Several sections of existing law are repealed or amended to reflect these changes, including the removal of outdated references and the introduction of new provisions to enhance accessibility and safety standards. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-292a