SENATE
HOUSE
JOINT
BILL STATUS
STATE LAW
REPORTS
EDUCATIONAL
CONTACT
home
home
Introduced Version House Bill 4434 History

   |  Email
Key: Green = existing Code. Red = new code to be enacted
ole.gif

H. B. 4434

 

         (By Delegates Lawrence, Manchin, Hunt, Ellem,

                Doyle, Boggs, Morgan, Marshall,

                   Guthrie, L. Phillips and Brown)

         [Introduced February 6, 2012; referred to the

         Committee on the Judiciary then Education.]

 

 

A BILL to amend and reenact §29-3-16a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors and sprinkler systems; requiring smoke detectors and sprinkler systems meet state fire code requirements; requiring carbon monoxide detectors be installed in certain public facilities; and establishing penalties.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That §29-3-16a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted to read as follows:

ARTICLE 3. FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACT.

§29-3-16a. Smoke detectors in one- and two-family dwellings; carbon monoxide detectors in residential units; penalty.

    (a) On or before July 1, 1991, an An operational smoke detector shall be installed in the immediate vicinity of each sleeping area within all one and two family dwellings, including any "manufactured home" as that term is defined in subsection (j), section two, article nine, chapter twenty-one of this code. The smoke detector shall be capable of sensing visible or invisible particles of combustion and shall meet the specifications and be installed as provided in the national fire protection association standard 72, "Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and Use of Household Fire Warning Equipment", 1996 edition, state fire code and in the manufacturer’s specifications. When activated, the smoke detector shall provide an alarm suitable to warn the occupants of the danger of fire.

    (b) The owner of each dwelling described in subsection (a) of this section shall provide, install and replace the operational smoke detectors required by this section. So as to assure that the smoke detector continues to be operational, in each dwelling described in subsection (a) of this section which is not occupied by the owner thereof, the tenant in any dwelling shall perform routine maintenance on the smoke detectors within the dwelling.

    (c) Where a dwelling is not occupied by the owner and is occupied by an individual who is deaf or hearing impaired, the owner shall, upon written request by or on behalf of the individual, provide and install a smoke detector with a light signal sufficient to warn the deaf or hearing-impaired individual of the danger of fire.

    (d) An automatic fire sprinkler system installed in accordance with the national fire protection association standard 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies", 1989 edition, state fire code may be provided in lieu of smoke detectors.

    (e) After investigating a fire in any dwelling described in subsection (a) of this section, the local investigating authority shall issue to the owner a smoke detector installation order in the absence of the required smoke detectors.

    (f) After July 1, 1998, an An operational carbon monoxide detector with a suitable alarm shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s direction:

    (1) In any newly constructed residential unit which has a fuel-burning heating or cooking source including, but not limited to, an oil or gas furnace or stove; and

    (2) In any residential unit which is connected to a newly constructed building, including, but not limited to, a garage, storage shed or bar, which has a fuel-burning heating or cooking source, including, but not limited to, an oil or gas furnace or stove; and

    (3) In all apartment buildings, condominiums, one and two family dwellings and cabins intended to be rented or leased, dormitories, bed and breakfasts and rooming and lodging facilities.

    (g) Any person installing a carbon monoxide detector in a residential unit shall inform the owner, lessor or the occupant or occupants of the residential unit of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and instructions on the operation of the carbon monoxide detector installed.

    (h) When repair or maintenance work is undertaken on a fuel-burning heating or cooking source or a venting system in an existing residential unit, the person making the repair or performing the maintenance shall inform the owner, lessor or the occupant or occupants of the unit being served by the fuel-burning heating or cooking source or venting system of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and recommend the installation of a carbon monoxide detector.

    (i) Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $100.

    (j) A violation of this section may not be considered by virtue of the violation to constitute evidence of negligence or contributory negligence or comparative negligence in any civil action or proceeding for damages.

    (k) A violation of this section may not constitute a defense in any civil action or proceeding involving any insurance policy.

    (l) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the rights of any political subdivision in this state to enact laws imposing upon owners of any dwelling or other building described in subsection (a) or (f) of this section a greater duty with regard to the installation, repair and replacement of the smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors than is required by this section.


    NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to requiring carbon monoxide detectors be installed in apartment buildings, condominiums, one and two family dwellings and cabins intended to be rented or leased, dormitories, bed and breakfasts and rooming and lodging facilities. The bill requires smoke detectors and sprinkler systems meet state fire code requirements. The bill also establishes penalties.


    Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.

This Web site is maintained by the West Virginia Legislature's Office of Reference & Information.  |  Terms of Use  |   Email WebmasterWebmaster   |   © 2024 West Virginia Legislature **


X

Print On Demand

Name:
Email:
Phone:

Print