The Maryland State House Environment and Transportation Committee is expected to hear testimony today on House Bill 1311, a bill introduced by Delegate Cory McCray of Baltimore City, seeking to establish and adopt statewide building code regulations related to fire safety features for lightweight combustible wood construction in low- to mid-rise residential buildings throughout the state.
At the same time, lobbying group Build With Strength is launching ads throughout the capital region in print, radio and online, calling on Maryland’s legislators to pass their respective bills. Since December 2016, 15 local fire-related deaths have already been recorded. In response, members of the Build With Strength Coalition: the Red Cross, the insurance industry, resilience advocates, engineers, architects and academics are asking lawmakers to consider the new codes.
While the General Assembly considers HB 1311, the Maryland State Senate is considering its own piece of legislation on the issue, Senate Bill 722, a bill introduced by State Senator Joan Carter Conway of Baltimore City.
