HB 1654 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning the administration of the international fire code.

HB 1654 clarifies which local entities are responsible for enforcing the International Fire Code in unincorporated county areas. It allows counties to handle enforcement, but gives cities, towns, or fire protection districts (with over $10 million in annual revenue) the option to take over enforcement duties - including fire cause investigations and building inspections - after providing six months' notice to the county. These entities may also charge fees to cover enforcement costs, and must offer equivalent jobs to displaced county fire marshals. The bill does not change existing fire safety standards but adjusts administrative responsibility between local governments.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 12, 2026 Last action Jan 12, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jan 12, 2026
Introduced
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
lower
Feb 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the House Committee on Local Government at 10:30 AM.
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Local Government at 8:00 AM.
lower
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors

Sponsors