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HB 2074

Clarifying the process of ventilation and fire suppression for limited use food preparation facilities.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Butler

House Bill 2074 eases fire safety rules for limited use food prep facilities, reducing costs and promoting community events while ensuring basic safety measures are met.

To House Government Organization
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Bill Summary · HB 2074

Summary of House Bill 2074

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: HB 2074
  • Title: Clarifying the process of ventilation and fire suppression for limited use food preparation facilities
  • Status: To House Government Organization
  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Public Safety

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2074 aims to amend existing fire safety regulations to better accommodate limited use food preparation facilities, such as county fair food booths, church kitchens, and non-profit food vendors. The bill seeks to alleviate the burden of stringent fire codes that currently apply to these facilities, which often require expensive installations like ventilation hoods and automatic fire suppression systems.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Definition of Limited Use Food Preparation Facilities:

    • These are defined as stationary or individual food preparation booths that operate for short periods, not exceeding 15 days per year, and are not attached to any larger residential structure.

  2. Exemption from Existing Fire Code Rules:

    • The bill stipulates that existing fire code requirements for ventilation hoods and automatic fire suppression systems do not apply to limited use food preparation facilities.

  3. Equipment Requirements:

    • Each facility must have:
      • A handheld fire extinguisher for grease fires if cooking grease is used.
      • A fully charged fire extinguisher for every 1,000 square feet of cooking space, with a minimum of two extinguishers.
      • Personnel trained in fire safety and the use of fire extinguishers.
      • Constant monitoring of cooking equipment while in operation.
      • Adequate ventilation to disperse fumes and vaporized grease.

  4. Rulemaking Authority:

    • The West Virginia State Fire Marshal, in collaboration with local fire departments and health departments, is tasked with establishing rules to implement the provisions of this bill.

Impact

  • Who Would Be Affected:

    • Limited use food preparation facilities, including non-profit organizations, county fairs, and similar entities, would benefit from reduced regulatory burdens.
    • Local fire departments and health departments will have a role in enforcing the new regulations and ensuring compliance.

  • Potential Benefits:

    • The bill aims to promote food service activities by reducing the financial and logistical barriers imposed by existing fire safety regulations, thereby supporting community events and non-profit initiatives.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:
    • The bill was filed on January 29, 2025, and has undergone several readings and committee assignments.
    • A hearing was scheduled for February 6, 2025, and the bill has been re-referred to the Rules Committee as of May 31, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2074, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on limited use food preparation facilities in West Virginia.

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

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