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SB 2972

RELATING TO DISASTER PREPAREDNESS.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Gabbard

Bill SB 2972 establishes design standards for high-occupancy buildings to enhance hurricane preparedness, ensuring safer emergency shelters for residents during disasters.

Reported from GVO/PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2696) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
#design #high-occupancybuildings #hurricanes #publicbuildings #shelter
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Bill Summary · SB 2972

Summary of Bill SB 2972: Relating to Disaster Preparedness

Overview

Bill SB 2972 aims to enhance disaster preparedness in the context of high-occupancy buildings, particularly in relation to hurricanes and public shelters. The bill seeks to establish guidelines and standards that ensure these structures are adequately designed to withstand severe weather events, thereby improving safety for occupants during disasters.

Key Provisions

  • Design Standards: The bill mandates the development of specific design standards for high-occupancy buildings to ensure they can serve as effective shelters during hurricanes.
  • Public Buildings: It emphasizes the importance of public buildings being equipped and ready to function as emergency shelters, providing safe refuge for the community during disasters.
  • Hurricane Preparedness: The legislation focuses on enhancing preparedness measures specifically for hurricanes, which are a significant threat to the region.

Affected Parties

  • Building Owners and Developers: The bill will impact those involved in the construction and renovation of high-occupancy buildings, requiring them to comply with new design standards.
  • Local Governments: Municipalities will need to adapt their emergency management plans to incorporate the new guidelines for public buildings.
  • Residents and Occupants: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are the residents of high-occupancy buildings, who will have increased safety measures in place during hurricanes.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 24, 2024
  • First Reading: January 24, 2024
  • Committee Hearings:
    • Public hearing scheduled for February 15, 2024, at 3:45 PM.
  • Committee Recommendations:
    • The committees on Government Operations (GVO) and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs (PSM) both recommended the bill be passed with amendments on February 15, 2024.
  • Second Reading: The bill passed its second reading on February 16, 2024, and was referred to the Ways and Means Committee (WAM).

Related Legislation

  • Companion Bill: HB 2637 serves as a companion to SB 2972, indicating a parallel effort in the House to address similar issues regarding disaster preparedness.

Conclusion

Bill SB 2972 represents a proactive approach to disaster preparedness, particularly in high-occupancy buildings, by establishing necessary design standards and enhancing the role of public buildings as emergency shelters. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it aims to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the face of natural disasters.

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

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