Committee takes public testimony on SB 5156 to loosen elevator size and technical standards

The Senate Housing Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5156, which would require the State Building Code Council to adopt rules allowing smaller passenger elevators for certain low-rise multifamily buildings and to permit use of global or North American elevator technical standards.

Why it matters: Supporters said current U.S. elevator-size and technical requirements raise costs and reduce the number of buildings that include elevators, which in turn limits accessible housing for older adults, people with disabilities and families with small children. Opponents, including fire and emergency medical responders, warned that a smaller elevator cabin could prevent standard ambulance stretchers and supine patient transport, posing risks during medical emergencies.

Staff briefing and bill summary: Ben Omdahl, committee staff, summarized SB 5156 as proposing that by March 31, 2026 the State Building Code Council adopt standards allowing passenger elevators no larger than those…