SB 415

This bill requires the owner of most buildings that contain one or two dwelling

units (dwelling) to install a carbon monoxide detector (detector) in the basement of

the dwelling and on each floor level except the attic or storage area of each dwelling

unit. Under the bill, the owner of the dwelling must install the detector according

to the directions and specifications of the manufacturer of the detector and requires

that the detector bear an Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., listing mark. If any

occupant who is not the owner, or any state or local building inspector, notifies the

owner that a detector is not functional, the owner must provide, within five days after

receipt of that notice, any maintenance necessary to make the detector functional.

The bill exempts an owner of a dwelling from damages resulting from a false alarm

from a detector that was reasonably maintained by the owner or from the failure of

the detector to operate properly as the result of tampering.

The bill requires new dwellings to have carbon monoxide detectors that are

wired to the dwelling's electrical service. Existing dwellings may use a battery

powered detector. The bill exempts certain dwellings from the requirement to install

detectors. Under the bill, no detector is required if the dwelling has no attached

garage, no fireplace, and no fuel-burning appliances.

The bill authorizes a state or local building inspector to inspect new dwellings,

and, at the request of a dwelling owner or renter, the interior of a dwelling unit to

ensure compliance with the requirements established under this bill.