State fire marshal urges updating Kansas fire code from 2006 standard; seeks streamlined adoption process

Richard Watson, chief deputy/chief of prevention at the State Fire Marshal's Office, told the committee that Kansas currently uses a fire-prevention code based largely on 2006-era national standards for about 95% of the state. He said national consensus standards have been repeatedly updated (most recently in the mid-2020s) and that newer editions incorporate construction materials, technology and performance-based options that can improve safety and offer alternative, less-costly compliance methods.