HB 1446

Abstract

Amends the Public Building Egress Act. Changes the short title of the Act to the Emergency Egress Act. Provides that the Act shall apply to all buildings (rather than all public buildings). Requires doors serving a room or area with an occupant load of 50 or more in any building, to swing in the direction of egress travel (rather than swing upon their hinges and be constructed so that the doors shall open outward). Requires stairwell enclosures in buildings serving more than 4 stories to comply with one of the following requirements: (1) no stairwell enclosure door shall be locked at any time; or (2) stairwell enclosure doors that are locked shall be equipped with an electronic lock release system that is activated upon loss of power. Provides that stairwell enclosure doors at the main egress level of the building shall remain unlocked from the stairwell enclosure side at all times. Provides that building owners who lock stairwell enclosure doors shall comply with specific requirements during the time necessary to install a lock release system and two-way communication system. Limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers.