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House approves fire-code changes to account for Knox box access, appeals and school drills
Summary
On a unanimous vote the House passed a third substitute to HB 246 that creates statutory accountability for Knox box key access, requires notice of appeal rights after inspections, and allows postponement of school fire drills in inclement weather.
The Utah House passed a third-substitute version of HB 246 on Feb. 23 to amend the state fire code, clarifying who controls access to private property via Knox boxes, strengthening notice and appeal procedures following inspections, and allowing schools to postpone fire drills for inclement weather.
Representative Kennedy, sponsor of the substitute, said the substitute makes three changes. First, it creates a statutory framework to account for Knox box keys and moves oversight language to fire districts so competing municipal or county ordinances do not create inconsistent requirements. "This bill protects private property," Kennedy said, explaining the keys give fire officials access to private business property and should be accounted for.
Second, the bill requires verbal and written notice to property owners of their right to appeal following an inspection. Third, the bill removes a requirement that students must conduct fire drills regardless of weather and instead permits postponement during inclement conditions.
Kennedy said the changes were made after feedback from fire officials and constituents; the House approved a motion to substitute and then passed the third-substitute bill 69-0. The bill will be referred to the Senate for further consideration.
