The “Carbon Monoxide Alarms Leading Every Resident To Safety Act (CO ALERTS Act)” (H.R. 1690) introduced by Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (D-IL) unanimously passed the House on September 10. Senators Tim Scott (R-SC) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced the original Senate bill (S. 2120) on July 18 (see Memo, 7/22) in response to the deaths of 14 public housing residents from the toxic gas since 2003.
If enacted, the bill would require carbon monoxide alarms in federally assisted homes that have potential carbon monoxide sources, such as gas-fired appliances, fireplaces, forced-air furnaces, and attached garages. The bill directs HUD to provide guidance to public housing agencies on how to educate tenants on health hazards in the home, including carbon monoxide and lead poisoning, and instructs the agency to consult with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to conduct a public study on requiring carbon monoxide alarms in housing not covered by the International Fire Code.
In a press release, Senator Menendez urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote as soon as possible.
Read the CO ALERTS Act of 2019 at: https://bit.ly/2lR6SnQ and https://bit.ly/2lPEVgv
Read Senator Scott’s press release at: https://bit.ly/2mfh9uB
Read Senator Menendez’s press release at: https://bit.ly/2kHWyyu