An Act implementing the recommendations of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission Report
By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1647) of Nick Collins for legislation to implement the recommendations of the Walsh-Kennedy Commission Report. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Bill Information
Bill Information
- Presenter:
- Nick Collins
- Status:
- Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
The legislation requires the submission of recommendations from the special commission charged with studying cutting, welding, and hot works processes regulated by the state fire code. It mandates that all certification and training for these processes be performed using the existing National Fire Protection Association program or its equivalent.
The bill defines repeated, reckless, and knowing failure to comply with the Massachusetts Fire Prevention Code, or failure to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a result would occur from said failure as criminal negligence. It imposes fines up to $250,000 and 5 years' imprisonment for violations causing serious injury, and up to $500,000 and 7 years for those resulting in death.
Civil penalties for cutting, welding, and hot works violations are also increased: up to $1,000 for first offenses, up to $2,000 and/or imprisonment in the house of correction for up to a year for second offenses, and the greater of .025% of the total project value, or $10,000, and/or imprisonment in the house of correction for up to 3 years for third and subsequent offenses.
It directs the Department of Fire Safety, in consultation with the Department of Professional Licensure, or relevant executive agency or department, to establish a system of public notification and recording of non-compliance with regulations and statutes pertaining to cutting, welding, and hot works processes.
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.