AB 1626 (Migden)

As Amended: January 20, 2000

SUMMARY : Requires building codes to conform to the model codes listed in the California Building Standards Law, which the bill would recast to refer to the most recent edition of specified model codes, or to specified amendments to a model code. Requires the California Building Standards Commission to specify a model code when the model code writing body becomes defunct or ceases publication and to report the change to the Legislature.

Bill No: AB 423

Author: Dutra

FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE   SEPTEMBER 15, 1999

This bill required the installation of fire retardant roof covering for:

an entire roof covering of every existing structure when 50% of the total roof area is re-roofed; every new structure; or, any repair or alteration of an existing roof. According to the author, despite the requirement that flame retardant roofing be used on new construction and upon replacement of 50% of the roofs surface, the volume of untreated wood shingles continues to be alarmingly high. The author further states that many re-roofs are done in portions to get around the requirement that they use treated wood shingles.

AB 20 Lempert

As Amended: January 3, 2000

This bill enacts the Green Oaks Family Academy Elementary School Fire Safety Protection Act. Specifically, this bill:

Would authorize the funding of modernization projects, including  hardship projects, that include an automated fire detection and alarm system.

Would require certain projects, to comply with prescribed automated fire detection and alarm system.  The bill would provide that a modernization project may consist entirely of the installation of a prescribed automated fire detection and alarm system.

Prohibits the Department of General Services (DGS) from approving school construction or modernization projects unless the projects contain an automatic fire detection and alarm system approved by the State Fire Marshall.

This bill would require the State Fire Marshal to propose
emergency regulations by July 1, 2001

Authorizes the funding of a school modernization project consisting entirely of the installation of an automatic fire detection and alarm system.
 
 

AB 1434 Granlund

As Introduced: February 26, 1999

This bill requires that either the director or one of the deputy directors of CDF shall have a minimum of ten years experience as an employee, of a fire department that has more than 300 employees. These provisions

will apply only to a director or deputy director who is appointed on or after January 1, 2000.

Existing law provides that the Director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) is appointed at the pleasure of the Governor and is subject to confirmation by the Senate. Two deputy directors of Forestry are appointed by the director one deputy director is exempt from civil service and one deputy director is not exempt from civil service and must be a registered professional forester.

Action Requested

In 1998, the Fire Service and other organizations supported the "burglar bar" safety bill (SB 1405, Polanco & Lee). The bill required the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations by January 1, 2000, that will go into effect on July 1, 2000.

The Fire Marshal’s regulations are currently pending before the California Building Standards Commission and Senator Polanco has requested the Fire Service to send letters to the Commission supporting adoption of the Fire Marshal’s regulations.

A copy of a sample letter may be obtained from Gene Gantt, Benicia FD.