HB 489 Maryland House of Delegates · 2025 Regular Session

Maryland Department of Labor - Study on Building Code Requirements for Single-Staircase Buildings

HB 489 requires the Maryland Department of Labor to study building code requirements for single-staircase buildings (those with only one exit staircase) across Maryland and other U.S. states. The study must analyze safety factors like fire department response, water supply, and compliance with modern codes, while assessing impacts on housing costs and development feasibility for buildings up to six stories. It will consult fire safety experts and firefighter unions before making recommendations to potentially change building codes to allow such construction. The Department must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature by December 1, 2025, aiming to inform policies that could increase affordable housing supply.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Apr 2025

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Apr 2025

Signed into Law

May 2025

Introduced Jan 20, 2025 Signed May 13, 2025

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What changed between versions

Third - Maryland Department of Labor - Study on Building Code Requirements for Single-Staircase Buildings → Enrolled - Maryland Department of Labor - Study on Building Code Requirements for Single-Staircase Buildings · 3 edits · May 13, 2025

MINOR

The bill was formally enrolled and approved by the Governor, transforming it from a draft proposal into enacted law. The Department of Labor's study requirements were significantly expanded to include a broader range of stakeholders, such as various fire chiefs' associations and a nonprofit housing advocate, alongside existing fire safety experts. This change ensures the study considers both fire safety protocols and affordable housing needs before recommending any updates to building codes.

Scope change

The bill's scope remains focused on studying building code requirements for single-staircase buildings, but the consultation process for the study has been broadened to include more diverse perspectives on fire safety and housing advocacy.

REQUIREMENT

Added new mandatory consultation requirements for the Department of Labor, including representatives from the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland, the Maryland State Firefighters Association, the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, and a nonprofit organization advocating for safe and affordable housing.

Reorganized the list of consultation partners, shifting the order of fire safety experts and adding specific designations (e.g., 'designated by the President') to ensure representative input from various fire service groups.

TECHNICAL

Updated the document header to reflect the bill's status as 'Enrolled' and included the Great Seal presentation details, indicating the bill has passed all legislative stages and awaits the Governor's final signature.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 21, 2025 · House of Delegates Mar 24, 2025

How they voted

34–7

Passed · 5 other

Total votes 46

Mar 21, 2025

D Democratic33

28 Yea 5

84% Yea

R Republican13

6 Yea 7 Nay

53% Nay

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 13, 2025

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 504

executive

Apr 7, 2025

Lower · Passed

Passed Enrolled

lower

Apr 7, 2025

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Apr 7, 2025

Introduced

House Concurs Senate Amendments

lower

Apr 5, 2025

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 5, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Apr 5, 2025

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 24, 2025

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (111-25-3)

house of delegates

Mar 21, 2025

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (34-7-5)

senate

Mar 7, 2025

Committee

Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

upper

Mar 6, 2025

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 4, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 3, 2025

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Environment and Transportation

lower

Jan 20, 2025

Committee

First Reading Environment and Transportation

lower

8 primary · 0 co-sponsors