HB 130-RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLER SYSTEMS  8:56:30 AM CHAIR MUNOZ announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 130, "An Act relating to municipal building code requirements for fire sprinkler systems in certain residential buildings; and providing for an effective date." 8:56:36 AM ROB EARL, Staff, Representative Bob Herron, Alaska State Legislature, speaking on behalf of the sponsor, related that the purpose of HB 130 is to require an expanded public process for ordinances that mandate fire sprinklers in all new construction. The parties interested in this legislation fall into two groups. The Alaska State Homebuilders Association and the Alaska Association of Realtors are concerned that a blanket mandate for sprinklers would raise the cost of homes considerably. The other side of the issue is the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association, which promotes expanded installation of fire sprinklers. He reminded the committee that last year the House Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee was instrumental in facilitating a compromise between the aforementioned groups regarding similar legislation to HB 130. The compromise is embodied in HB 130. Mr. Earl said that he knows of no opposition to HB 130, which is neither pro nor anti fire sprinkler installation and doesn't prohibit Alaskans from choosing to install such systems. He explained that HB 130 says a municipality may not adopt an ordinance to require a sprinkler system in all new residential buildings with one or two dwelling units, unless the municipality does the following: complies with the municipal ordinance requirements already in statute; publishes a summary of the ordinance and the time and place of each public hearing at least 30 days prior to the first public hearing of the ordinance; and schedules at least three public hearings to be held between a 60-180 day period on the proposed ordinance. Mr. Earl related that the sponsor believes that the decision about sprinkler systems being required in homes is appropriate to be decided at the local level, although it deserves a more robust public hearing process. 8:59:38 AM JEFF TUCKER, President, Alaska Fire Chiefs Association, thanked the sponsor and his staff for the work they did on HB 130. He then related that the Alaska Fire Chiefs Association does not oppose HB 130 as currently written. 9:00:24 AM PAUL MICHELSOHN, Co-Chair, Alaska State Homebuilders Association Legislative Committee, Alaska State Homebuilders Association, related support for HB 130, which he characterized as a workable agreement. He opined that HB 130 will provide each individual jurisdiction notice of proposed changes and provide time to weigh-in on the matter. He encouraged the committee to pass HB 130. 9:01:36 AM ERROL CHAMPION, Alaska Board of Realtors, began by stating that the reasons the Alaska Board of Realtors spoke in support of similar legislation last year are still valid. He expressed the need to keep the costs of acquiring homes in Alaska as inexpensive as possible, which HB 130 will go a long way toward. Therefore, he urged the committee to adopt HB 130. 9:02:37 AM WALLY SMITH, Member, Alaska State Homebuilders Association; Interior Alaska Building Association, echoed Mr. Michelson's statements and related support for HB 130. 9:03:16 AM DARRELL BOURNE, President, Interior Alaska Builders Association; Member of the Alaska State Homebuilders Association, related his support for HB 130. 9:03:44 AM ALAN WILSON, Co-Chair, Alaska State Homebuilders Association Legislative Committee, Alaska State Homebuilders Association, testified in support of HB 130. However, he related his personal concerns regarding the cost of housing throughout the state. The legislation allows each municipality to have a hand in its own future. Since a mandatory residential fire sprinkler ordinance would be a significant change, the mandatory three public hearings are critical, he opined. 9:04:51 AM GLENDA FEEKEN, Alaska Association of Realtors, related strong support for HB 130. She stated that realtors encourage affordable housing. A mandatory residential fire sprinkler ordinance would cause a dramatic increase in construction, maintenance, resale, and insurance costs. Therefore, those who would be impacted by this should be advised of the incredible burden it will place on them and have input before its adoption. 9:05:59 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER recalled that last year the legislation that evolved to what HB 130 is received a letter of support from the Municipality of Anchorage. MR. EARL confirmed that was the case. 9:06:21 AM REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER inquired as to estimates regarding how much a sprinkler system will add to the cost of an average size home. MR. EARL related that he has heard an estimate that sprinkler systems add $3-$5 per square foot to the cost of an average size home. REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER surmised then that a sprinkler system in a 1,500 square foot home would result in an additional $4,500 cost. 9:07:50 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER moved to report HB 130 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.