Maryland's Sb 689: Law Or Not?

Maryland SB 689, also known as the Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act, is a bill that establishes requirements for the installation of fire safety equipment in residential rental high-rise buildings and certain other properties. The bill was passed by the Maryland Senate during the 2022 legislative session and was scheduled for a hearing on March 16, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. in the Senate. The bill has effective dates of June 1, 2024, and July 1, 2024. It is not clear from the sources whether the bill ultimately became law.

Fire safety equipment requirements for residential rental properties

The Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act (SB0689) establishes requirements for the installation of fire safety equipment in residential rental high-rise buildings and certain other properties in Maryland. The Act was approved by the Governor and became law on June 1, 2024, with an additional effective date of July 1, 2024.

The Act mandates the installation of certain fire safety equipment in residential rental high-rise buildings and other specified properties. While the specific equipment is not explicitly listed, the legislation mentions "certain fire safety equipment", indicating a range of devices and systems.

Residential rental high-rise buildings, in particular those constructed before 1974, are the primary focus of this legislation. The Act establishes a workgroup to develop fire safety best practices for pre-1974 high-rise apartment buildings. This workgroup is tasked with reporting its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2024.

The legislation also addresses property tax credits, authorizing the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City, as well as the governing bodies of counties and municipal corporations, to grant property tax credits to eligible parties.

The Act's requirements are designed to enhance fire protection and prevention measures in residential rental properties, ensuring the safety of occupants and mitigating potential fire hazards.

To summarize, the Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act (SB0689) in Maryland establishes critical fire safety equipment requirements for residential rental high-rise buildings and certain other properties. The Act's provisions include the installation of necessary fire safety equipment, the development of best practices for pre-1974 high-rise apartment buildings, and the authorization of property tax credits. These measures work together to improve fire safety and protection for residents.

Property tax credits

SB 689, or the Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act, establishes certain requirements for fire safety equipment in residential rental high-rise buildings and other properties. The Act also authorises the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore City or the governing body of a county or municipal corporation to grant a property tax credit.

The property tax credit is likely designed to offset the cost of installing fire safety equipment and to encourage property owners to take proactive measures to improve fire safety in their buildings. The specific details of the tax credit, such as the amount and eligibility requirements, are likely outlined in the full text of the bill or in subsequent legislation or regulations.

The Act also establishes the Workgroup to Develop Fire Safety Best Practices for Pre-1974 High-Rise Apartment Buildings. This workgroup is tasked with developing and recommending best practices for fire safety in older high-rise apartment buildings, which often have unique challenges due to their age and construction. The workgroup is required to report its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2024.

By offering property tax credits and establishing a dedicated workgroup, the Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act aims to improve fire safety in residential rental properties and protect the well-being of tenants and property owners alike. These measures demonstrate a proactive approach to fire safety and highlight the importance of taking preventative actions to mitigate potential fire hazards.

Workgroup to develop fire safety best practices

The Workgroup to Develop Fire Safety Best Practices was established as part of the Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act, or Maryland SB 689, which became law with an effective date of June 1, 2024. The Workgroup is focused on developing fire safety best practices for pre-1974 high-rise apartment buildings.

The Workgroup is tasked with reporting its findings and recommendations by December 31, 2024. This includes establishing certain requirements relating to the installation of fire safety equipment in residential rental high-rise buildings and other properties. The specific scope of the Workgroup's tasks includes:

• Determining the most effective fire safety equipment and systems for pre-1974 high-rise apartment buildings, considering the unique challenges posed by the age and design of these structures.
• Developing guidelines for regular maintenance and inspection of fire safety systems to ensure their reliability and functionality over time.
• Creating best practices for fire prevention and protection strategies, including emergency response plans, resident education, and the integration of modern fire safety technologies.
• Assessing the financial implications and potential sources of funding for implementing the recommended fire safety measures, including the potential use of property tax credits.

To achieve these objectives, the Workgroup will likely consist of fire safety experts, building code specialists, engineers, and other professionals with relevant experience. They will collaborate to develop comprehensive and practical fire safety guidelines that address the unique challenges of pre-1974 high-rise apartment buildings in Maryland.

Task force creation

The Maryland SB 689 bill, also known as the "Melanie Nicholle Diaz Fire Safety Act", includes provisions for the creation of a task force to address fire safety in residential rental properties. The task force will be responsible for developing and implementing fire safety best practices, particularly for pre-1974 high-rise apartment buildings.

The task force will be composed of relevant stakeholders, such as fire safety experts, local authorities, and representatives from the residential rental industry. They will work collaboratively to assess the current fire safety measures in place and identify areas for improvement. This may include evaluating the effectiveness of fire safety equipment, emergency response plans, and building construction standards.

One of the key objectives of the task force will be to establish clear and enforceable requirements for the installation and maintenance of fire safety equipment in residential rental properties. This will involve setting standards for smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, fire alarms, and other relevant systems. The task force may also propose incentives or penalties to encourage property owners to comply with these requirements.

Additionally, the task force will be tasked with developing educational and outreach programs to promote fire safety awareness among residents and property owners. This could include providing information on fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and evacuation procedures. The task force may also coordinate with local communities and organizations to ensure that fire safety messages reach a wide audience and are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

To ensure the effectiveness and impact of their work, the task force will be required to submit periodic reports outlining their findings, recommendations, and proposed actions. These reports will be made available to the public and key stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders. The task force will also be responsible for monitoring the implementation of their recommended fire safety practices and evaluating their effectiveness over time.

Pharmacy benefits managers' prohibited actions

Maryland's Senate Bill 689, concerning pharmacy benefits managers and their prohibited actions, was introduced during the 2022 legislative session.

The bill, titled "Pharmacy Benefits Managers—Prohibited Actions", had its first reading on February 4, 2022, in the Senate Finance Committee. A hearing was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on March 16, 2022. The bill text, fiscal notes, and various testimonies are available for review.

While the specific details of the prohibited actions outlined in the bill are not readily available, the bill's progression through the legislative process is documented. The bill appears to have progressed through the Maryland State Senate, with various testimonies provided, and a companion bill (HB 755) noted.

The bill's progression and the involvement of the Maryland Department of Health, as well as testimonies from individuals representing organisations like the Maryland Retailers Association, indicate that the prohibited actions likely pertain to the regulation of pharmacy benefits managers and their practices within the state of Maryland.

Frequently asked questions