A bill proposes new testing requirements for owners of buildings equipped with fire and smoke control systems.

HB 2701, sponsored by Rep. Timm Ormsby (D–Spokane), allows qualified contractors or engineers to carry out required testing and inspections of building with certain systems, including:

• Fire dampers;
• Smoke dampers;
• Combination fire and smoke dampers; and/or
• Fire control systems

Citing of noncompliant building owners falls to local jurisdictions, who can levy civil infractions with monetary penalties. Collected penalties are forwarded to the state treasurer for deposit in the Fire Service Training Account.

Date to remember

HB 2701 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Local Government Committee at 10 am on Friday, January 31.