HB 414

Present law requires the state fire marshal to promulgate rules establishing minimum statewide building construction safety standards. Such standards must be designed to afford a reasonable degree of safety to life and property from fire and hazards incident to the design, const ruction, alteration and repair of buildings or structures. This bill requires the state fire marshal to include in such standards that a n existing place of worship may be used for educational purposes without reclassification of the building's occupanc y type . However, t he building must comp ly with the safety upgrade requirements specified in this bill, and t he educational use must not exceed the existing occupancy load as determined by the local fire marshal. Such safety upgrade requirements include a ll of the following:  Hardwired, interconnected s moke detectors in all classrooms, corridors, and common areas that a ctivate simultaneously and have battery backup .  Audible alarms must meet or exceed the decibel levels required by the building and fire safety codes adopted by the state fire marshal .  Strobe alarms must be installed in classrooms, assembly areas, and common areas to ensure alerting of hearing-impaired individuals .  Emergency exits must be clearly marked, unobstructed, and in compliance with applicable state and local egress standards .  Fire extinguishers must be provided and maintained as required by local fire codes, with at least one extinguisher on each floor and in each high-risk area such as a kitchen. This bill exempts a place of wor ship used for educational purposes from requirements for automatic fire sprinkler systems.