CARBON MONOXIDE MONITORS:

REQUIRE IN ALL NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

House Bill 5341

Sponsor:  Rep. Gary McDowell

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 11-6-07

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5341 AS INTRODUCED 10-23-07

The bill would add a new section, called "The Overbeck Law," to the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act.  It would require, beginning one year after the bill's effective date and until rules promulgated under the bill became effective, for at least one carbon monoxide alarm to be installed by the builder in each new residential building or structure.

The director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) would be required to promulgate rules establishing standards and requirements for the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in a new residential building or structure.  The rules would have to require that at least one carbon monoxide alarm be installed in each dwelling unit of a single-family dwelling, one- or two-family detached dwelling, or multiple-family dwelling.

Beginning with the code cycle after the rules took effect, the director would have to include provisions requiring the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in the code.  The bill specifies that under those circumstances, the provisions in the code would supersede the bill's provisions.

MCL 125.1504d

FISCAL IMPACT:

Department estimates for FY 2008 indicate there will be at least a $500,000 shortfall for the Bureau of Construction Code Enforcement's existing responsibilities, even if existing fund balances are entirely used to partially offset the revenue shortfall. This bill does not provide for any additional fee increases, but could cost at least $1 million annually in order to replace staff that will be laid off in FY 2008 and hire additional inspectors.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Richard Child

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.