Life Safety, Paid Family Leave, and School Security Bills Addressed in July

Life Safety, Paid Family Leave, and School Security Bills Addressed in July

Bills were enacted into law on several fronts during July, including life safety, paid family leave and school security. We also saw one veto that was sustained in July. Bills were enacted into law on several fronts during July, including life safety, paid family leave and school security. We also saw one veto that was sustained in July.

Delaware SB 91-1 will require that lodging establishments with an appliance that emits carbon monoxide, or that have an attached garage, must have working carbon monoxide detectors in each sleeping unit within the building. An amendment that exempts private residences that are not rented out for compensation was added to the bill, which was passed and signed by the Governor on July 23, 2018.

Hawaii SB 2990 establishes the states’ paid family leave program. It provides for appropriations and sets out implementation guidelines. This bill was enacted on July 6, 2018.

In Maine, LD 1566, known as the “Maine Fair Chance Employment Act” was a “ban the box” bill that would have prohibited employers from inquiring into a criminal history of job applicants until a conditional offer of employment was made. The Governor vetoed this bill and a vote by the House to override the veto failed on July 9.

New Jersey SB 2293 is known as the “Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act” and would issue general obligation bonds for $1 billion, including $450 million for career and technical education grants and $450 million for school facility security grants. This bill has passed both chambers and is awaiting further action. If enacted, the issuance of bonds would be subject to voter approval.

Rhode Island HB 7041/SB 2179 will require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all schools in accordance with NFPA provisions as determined by the state fire marshal. This measure was signed by the Governor on July 2, 2018.