Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski announced that his legislation to reform fire safety inspections in both public and private schools in New York State unanimously passed the Assembly A2985A. The bill seeks to modernize and improve the process of conducting annual fire inspections in public and private schools. The reforms include: clarifying that only qualified individuals may conduct an inspection, allowing schools to post notice of an inspection electronically, adding certified fire inspectors as authorized individuals, empowering the Commissioner of Education to inspect schools with delinquent fire safety reports (FSR) and requiring notification of the local code enforcement department when schools fail to comply with the inspection process.

For years, Assemblyman Zebrowski has been working to improve fire safety throughout the county, especially in schools. This legislation will ensure proper oversight over the fire safety report process by clarifying the Commissioner’s authority to conduct inspections of non-compliant schools. The legislation codifies the recourse for a public school’s failure to file a timely FSR which could result in the revocation of the school’s certificate of occupancy (SED issues public schools’ COs). It also provides recourse if a private school fails to comply with the inspection requirement. If a private school does not file an FSR within ninety days of the December 16th deadline, the Commissioner shall either have state officials conduct an inspection or request an appropriate local authority to conduct an inspection. If the school refuses access to inspectors or do not correct violations in a timely manner, the Commissioner will then immediately notify the local government who issues the certificate of occupancy for the school.

“This legislation gives the State Education Department the authority to ensure that all schools comply with the law and empowers the Commissioner to take action. It is important for there to be a clear process when schools fail to adhere to inspection requirements. These are basic safety measures that must be followed and there will be consequences for those who willingly skirt the law,” said Assemblyman Zebrowski.

Assemblyman Zebrowski’s reforms also include modern updates in order to help improve compliance. The proposal streamlines communication between schools and the State Education Department when filing fire safety reports. It integrates the use of technology by allowing SED to electronically send FSR forms and allowing schools to satisfy notice requirements by posting the notice on their website.

“These are necessary and long overdue reforms that bring our current laws up-to-date to ensure every child in New York State is learning in a safe structure. This bill will truly modernize the entire inspection process and provide assurances that we are sending our students to thoroughly vetted and safe buildings,” concluded Assemblyman Zebrowski.

Unfortunately, the Senate failed to act on this bill.