House unanimously approves bill requiring placards on light‑frame truss buildings
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Summary
HB 10‑86, a bill requiring low‑cost placards to identify light‑frame truss construction to assist firefighters, passed the Georgia House 161‑0 after sponsor testimony, questions about visibility and implementation, and statements of support from fire organizations.
The Georgia House on Monday approved HB 10‑86, a measure requiring building owners to post a small placard indicating light‑frame or light‑steel truss construction so firefighters and incident commanders know a structure’s risk profile. The bill passed on a recorded tally of 161 yays and 0 nays.
Representative (Johnny) Chastain, a sponsor and firefighter, told the chamber the emblem is "an 8 inch emblem" and emphasized it is inexpensive and life‑saving. "It's $9 on Amazon, but it saves lives," the sponsor said in floor remarks.
Representative Jasmine Clark asked how the signage will remain visible if a building is already engulfed in flames; the sponsor replied that the state fire marshal will promulgate rules on placement and that placement could include locations often used by firefighters, such as near knock boxes or electrical units.
Supporters noted endorsements from the Georgia Fire Chiefs Association and the Georgia Firefighters Association. Representative Lauren McDonald spoke in favor and recalled a local firefighter fatality in support of the policy change.
The House adopted the committee substitute and passed HB 10‑86; the clerk announced 161 yays and 0 nays. Implementation details such as exact placement and communication to local fire marshals were described as to be handled through the fire marshal’s promulgation and preplanning processes.