Farry Introduces Bill to Aid in Prevention of Carbon Monoxide-Related Deaths

I recently introduced legislation to require all multi-family structures, and single family homes, upon sale, to install a carbon monoxide detector.

The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning carries deadly consequences in the nation and here in the Commonwealth. I have decided to introduce legislation to further protect homeowners and new home buyers and renters against these damaging effects.

House Bill 2031, also known as the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act, would require homeowners, upon the sale of their home, to ensure that the home is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. This requirement would also apply to all existing multi-family buildings that have fossil fuel-burning heaters or appliances and/or an attached garage.

Currently, the Pennsylvania building code requires all newly constructed homes that have fossil fuel-burning heaters or appliances and/or an attached garage to install a carbon monoxide detector. These requirements are similar to code requirements for smoke detectors.

Thirty other states, including most of our neighboring states, already have similar requirements in place. Pennsylvania needs to join these states that have enacted legislation to require carbon monoxide detectors in homes. This basic, cheap, preventative measure will save lives.

The House Consumer Affairs Committee held a public hearing in Bucks County to gather feedback on the proposed legislation. The hearing took place on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m. at the Middletown Township Municipal Center.

The following organizations and individuals spoke in support of the legislation at the hearing: City of Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers; Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association; St. Mary Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine; Safe Kids Pennsylvania; and the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. 

Watch video from the Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act hearing below: