The publication is reproduced in full below:
NICHOLAS AND ZACHARY BURT MEMORIAL CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING PREVENTION
ACT OF 2021
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1460) to encourage States to require the installation of residential carbon monoxide detectors in homes, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 1460
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning any fuel. Exposure to unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, a serious health condition that could result in death.
(2) Unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from motor vehicles and improper operation of fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, portable generators, and stoves, annually kills more than 400 individuals and sends approximately 15,000 individuals to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.
(3) Research shows that installing carbon monoxide alarms close to the sleeping areas in residential homes and other dwelling units can help avoid fatalities.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that Congress should promote the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in residential homes and dwelling units across the United States in order to promote the health and public safety of citizens throughout the United States.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Carbon monoxide alarm.--The term ``carbon monoxide alarm'' means a device or system that--
(A) detects carbon monoxide; and
(B) is intended to sound an alarm at a carbon monoxide concentration below a concentration that could cause a loss of the ability to react to the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(3) Compliant carbon monoxide alarm.--The term ``compliant carbon monoxide alarm'' means a carbon monoxide alarm that complies with the most current version of--
(A) the Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms of the American National Standards Institute and UL (ANSI/UL 2034), or any successor standard; and
(B) the Standard for Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors of the American National Standards Institute and UL (ANSI/UL 2075), or any successor standard.
(4) Dwelling unit.--The term ``dwelling unit''--
(A) means a room or suite of rooms used for human habitation; and
(B) includes--
(i) a single family residence;
(ii) each living unit of a multiple family residence, including an apartment building; and
(iii) each living unit in a mixed use building.
(5) Fire code enforcement officials.--The term ``fire code enforcement officials'' means officials of the fire safety code enforcement agency of a State or local government or a Tribal organization.
(6) International fire code.--The term ``IFC'' means--
(A) the 2015 or 2018 edition of the International Fire Code published by the International Code Council; or
(B) any amended or similar successor code pertaining to the proper installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units.
(7) International residential code.--The term ``IRC'' means--
(A) the 2015 or 2018 edition of the International Residential Code published by the International Code Council; or
(B) any amended or similar successor code pertaining to the proper installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units.
(8) NFPA 720.--The term ``NFPA 720'' means--
(A) the Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide Detection and Warning Equipment issued by the National Fire Protection Association in 2012; and
(B) any amended or similar successor standard relating to the proper installation of carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units.
(9) State.--The term ``State''--
(A) has the meaning given the term in section 3(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)); and
(B) includes--
(i) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; and
(ii) any political subdivision of a State.
(10) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal organization'' has the meaning given the term in section 4(l) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304(l)).
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM FOR CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
PREVENTION.
(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations authorized under subsection (f), the Commission shall establish a grant program to provide assistance to States and Tribal organizations that are eligible under subsection (b) to carry out the carbon monoxide poisoning prevention activities described in subsection (e).
(b) Eligibility.--For the purposes of this section, an eligible State or Tribal organization is any State or Tribal organization that--
(1) demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Commission that the State or Tribal organization has adopted a statute or a rule, regulation, or similar measure with the force and effect of law, requiring compliant carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in dwelling units in accordance with NFPA 72, the IFC, or the IRC; and
(2) submits an application--
(A) to the Commission at such time, in such form, and containing such additional information as the Commission may require; and
(B) that may be filed on behalf of the State or Tribal organization by the fire safety code enforcement agency of that State or Tribal organization.
(c) Grant Amount.--The Commission shall determine the amount of each grant awarded under this section.
(d) Selection of Grant Recipients.--In selecting eligible States and Tribal organizations for the award of grants under this section, the Commission shall give favorable consideration to an eligible State or Tribal organization that demonstrates a reasonable need for funding under this section and that--
(1) requires the installation of a one or more compliant carbon monoxide alarms in a new or existing educational facility, childcare facility, health care facility, adult dependent care facility, government building, restaurant, theater, lodging establishment, or dwelling unit--
(A) within which a fuel-burning appliance, including a furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace, or any other apparatus, appliance, or device that burns fuel, is installed; or
(B) that has an attached garage; and
(2) has developed a strategy to protect vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, or low-income households, from exposure to unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide.
(e) Use of Grant Funds.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), an eligible State or Tribal organization to which a grant is awarded under this section may use the grant--
(A) to purchase and install compliant carbon monoxide alarms in the dwelling units of low-income families or elderly individuals, facilities that commonly serve children or the elderly (including childcare facilities, public schools, and senior centers);
(B) for the development and dissemination of training materials, instructors, and any other costs relating to the training sessions authorized under this subsection; or
(C) to educate the public about--
(i) the risk associated with carbon monoxide as a poison; and
(ii) the importance of proper carbon monoxide alarm use.
(2) Limitations.--
(A) Administrative costs.--An eligible State or Tribal organization to which a grant is awarded under this section may use not more than 5 percent of the grant amount to cover administrative costs that are not directly related to training described in paragraph (1)(B).
(B) Public outreach.--An eligible State or Tribal organization to which a grant is awarded under this section may use not more than 25 percent of the grant amount to cover the costs of activities described in paragraph (1)(D).
(C) State contributions.--An eligible State to which a grant is awarded under this section shall, with respect to the costs incurred by the State in carrying out activities under the grant, provide non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of amount of Federal funds provided under the grant to administer the program. This subparagraph shall not apply to Tribal organizations.
(f) Funding.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall carry out this Act using amounts appropriated to the Commission for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, to extent such funds are available.
(2) Limitation on administrative expenses.--In a fiscal year, not more than 10 percent of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to carry out this Act may be used for administrative expenses.
(g) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the last day of each fiscal year in which grants are awarded under this section, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report that evaluates the implementation of the grant program required under this section.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
General Leave
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1460.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1460, the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021.
This important bipartisan bill was introduced again this Congress by Representatives Ann Kuster and Buddy Carter.
Mr. Speaker, carbon monoxide--colorless, odorless, tasteless--is a silent killer. More than 400 people die, and approximately 50,000 people visit emergency rooms each year in the U.S. from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The tragedy is that these deaths and injuries are preventable with the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. However, many people are unaware of the importance of carbon monoxide detectors or don't know how to install or maintain them properly.
This bill will change that. It will assist States in educating the public on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the proper use of carbon monoxide detectors. It will also provide States with grants so they can purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors in the homes of the elderly and low-income citizens, as well as in educational facilities.
Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1460, the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021.
I thank Representatives Carter and Kuster, two great members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. I thank them for their work on this important piece of legislation and for the many years they have served and worked to protect consumers.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuel, and most people know that. Exposure to unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, a serious health condition that could result in death, unfortunately.
Mr. Speaker, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from motor vehicles and the abnormal operation of fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, portable generators, and stoves kills more than 400 people each year and sends more than 15,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment.
This legislation would protect Americans from an otherwise undetectable harm. This bipartisan bill represents a longstanding commitment of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to protect America's consumers, families, and children.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this particular bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster), who is the lead sponsor of the bill.
Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, as a mother and aunt--and now a great aunt--to a dozen little ones, I know there is nothing more important than keeping our children and loved ones safe. From a young age, we tell our children to wear their seatbelts in the car, a helmet while riding a bike or skiing, and to handle sharp objects with care. We go to great lengths to protect our children from the dangers we can see, but there are threats to our children's and loved ones' well-being that oftentimes go undetected.
Among the most dangerous of these is carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a stealthy killer. You cannot see it, hear it, taste it, or smell it. This deadly gas claims the lives of over 400 Americans every year and results in over 20,000 emergency room visits.
Two of my constituents, John and April Courtney in Lyman, New Hampshire, tragically lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning just this past year. If people know about the dangers of carbon monoxide and have alarms properly installed in their homes, tragedies like the one in my district, can be prevented.
Mr. Speaker, that is why I am so proud to join my good friend, Representative Carter, in introducing in the House, H.R. 1460, the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act that we will be voting on this evening.
This legislation provides funding for States to prevent future carbon monoxide-related deaths by educating the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and installing detectors in housing for the elderly and low-income individuals and high-traffic public buildings like schools. This bipartisan legislation will save lives.
At a time when Congress so often seems divided, this legislation is proof that we can work together to find common ground and get things done to help our constituents.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Carter, and I thank our chairman, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), my good friend.
Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate his perspective on the Committee on Energy and Commerce as the only pharmacist on the committee. I thank him for sponsoring this legislation.
Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1460. The bill, the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act is a piece of legislation that can save lives.
It would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to award grants to install carbon monoxide alarms in buildings and facilities that house vulnerable members of the population.
According to the CDC, at least 430 people die in the United States from accidental CO poisoning every year. On top of that, nearly 50,000 people visit the ER every year because of accidental CO poisoning. On a higher note, we can curb this statistic.
Better monitoring systems will ensure that people can prepare and protect themselves. This bipartisan legislation, which I was proud to cosponsor with my good friend, Representative Kuster from New Hampshire, helps us move the needle on this important subject. Many of us have heard stories of families being impacted by this tragic and preventable outcome. Whether it is seniors or children, this bill can help save lives.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her hard work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this bill. It is a great bill, a good consumer protection bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I also urge support for the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1460.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion are postponed.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 64
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
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