BILL NUMBER:  S5666

 TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to application of the
state uniform fire prevention and building code to certain premises


 PURPOSE :
To require state-owned buildings or state-leased space to adhere to
the state uniform fire prevention and building codes.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :
This Bill would add subdivision 5 to Section 383 of the NYS executive
law, which would require all buildings owned, or in which space is
leased, by state agencies and covered authorities, to adhere to state
uniform fire prevention and building code. Existing buildings and
structures constructed before this amendment's effective date shall be
subject to adherence to the codes under a stage plan, to be developed
by the Office of General Services. Stage plans will not exceed 5
years, unless the Office of General Services deems a delay is
necessary, in which case the stage plan is not to not exceed 10 years
past the effective date. Building alterations or new construction will
adhere to the state uniform fire prevention and building code.

 EXISTING LAW :
No Existing Law.
              

 JUSTIFICATION :
Buildings under government control should follow the same safety rules
that other buildings in private hands do.  The informal and voluntary
nature of compliance with codes creates a risk that there is
construction, demolition, or other hazardous activity taking place at
these properties that local municipalities do not know about, cannot
require building owners to correct, and may not be prepared to address
in the event of an emergency.

Currently, local governments have limited enforcement powers over
state building and property owners, depending on the enabling statute
of the state entities. In some jurisdictions, the local government
exercises its enforcement powers upon state entities mainly through
the voluntary filing of construction and demolition projects by those
entities, and through courtesy inspections and liaison relationships.
This bill would require all buildings and structures that are owned,
leased or operated by the state of New York or by any of its
authorities to be code-compliant to the same extent that privately
owned buildings and structures are under the jurisdiction of such
agencies.

In every sense, this bill will enhance public safety throughout the
five boroughs by requiring that the State and its authorities do what
all private building owners are required to do.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :
This is a new bill.

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :
To be determined.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become law.