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HB 139

Adverse Personnel Actions and Ethics Complaints

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patt Maney

HB 139 mandates annual testing and maintenance of fire hydrant systems in Ohio, enhancing public safety by ensuring reliable fire response capabilities statewide.

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Bill Summary · HB 139

Summary of HB 139: Require Specified Testing of Fire Hydrant Systems

Bill Number: HB 139
Introduced On: February 26, 2025
Status: Referred to committee
Classification: Bill
Subjects: Building and Fire Codes, Housing and Real Property, Public Safety, State and Local Government

Purpose and Intent

HB 139 aims to enhance public safety by establishing mandatory testing, inspection, and maintenance protocols for fire hydrant systems across the state of Ohio. The bill seeks to ensure that these critical components of fire safety infrastructure are consistently operational and meet established safety standards.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the enactment of section 3737.834 of the Revised Code, which includes the following key provisions:

  1. Oversight by the State Fire Marshal:

    • The state fire marshal is tasked with ensuring that fire hydrant systems are inspected, tested, and maintained according to state fire code rules and national fire protection standards.

  2. Periodic Testing Requirements:

    • Entities responsible for fire hydrant systems must conduct periodic tests to ensure operability. The bill specifies that:
      • Annual Inspections: All types of fire hydrants must be inspected annually and after each use.
      • Flow Testing: A flow test and general maintenance for fire hydrants must also occur annually.
      • Fire Service Main Piping: This must be inspected annually, with flow tests conducted every five years.
      • Strainers Maintenance: Fire service main piping strainers should be inspected and maintained after each use.

  3. Record Keeping:

    • Entities must maintain records of all tests, repairs, and maintenance for a minimum of one year after the next applicable event. These records must be available for inspection by the fire marshal.

Impact

The implementation of HB 139 would affect:

  • Fire Departments and Municipalities: They will need to comply with the new testing and maintenance requirements, potentially requiring additional resources or personnel.
  • Property Owners and Managers: Those responsible for maintaining fire hydrant systems will be required to adhere to the new standards, which may involve increased operational costs.
  • Public Safety: The bill aims to improve the reliability of fire hydrant systems, thereby enhancing community safety and preparedness in the event of a fire.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on February 26, 2025, and was referred to committee on March 5, 2025. Further legislative actions will determine its progression through the legislative process.

In summary, HB 139 seeks to establish a structured framework for the maintenance and testing of fire hydrant systems, thereby promoting public safety and ensuring that fire response capabilities are not compromised.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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