BILL NUMBER: SB 183	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Lowenthal

                        FEBRUARY 17, 2009

   An act to relating to carbon monoxide alarms.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 183, as introduced, Lowenthal. Carbon monoxide alarms.
   Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations
and standards regarding the quality and installation of burglar bars
and safety release mechanisms for emergency escape and rescue
windows, the approval and installation of smoke detectors, and the
approval of portable fire extinguishers for marketing, distribution,
and sale in this state. Existing law requires a smoke detector
approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal to be installed in a
dwelling unit intended for human occupancy.
   This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to ensure that
a carbon monoxide alarm is installed in each dwelling intended for
human occupancy with a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance,
fireplace, or attached garage. The bill would also make a statement
of legislative findings.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
   (1) According to the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide
is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United
States. Each year carbon monoxide kills approximately 500 people and
injures another 15,000 people nationwide.
   (2) According to the United States Environmental Protection
Agency, a person cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. At high levels
carbon monoxide can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide is
produced whenever any fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or
charcoal, is burned.
   (3) Experts estimate that equipping every home with a carbon
monoxide device would cut accident-related costs by 93 percent.
Sixteen states and a number of large cities have laws mandating the
use of carbon monoxide devices.
   (4) Carbon monoxide devices provide a vital, highly effective, and
low-cost protection against carbon monoxide poisoning and these
devices should be made available to every home in California.
   (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure that a carbon
monoxide alarm is installed in each dwelling intended for human
occupancy with a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace,
or attached garage.