Carter’s bill to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning passes House subcommittee

A U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on July 10 approved a carbon monoxide (CO) poison prevention bill cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA).

“We have had serious carbon monoxide poisoning incidents at home in the First District of Georgia,” Rep. Carter said. “I’m very glad that this legislation is moving through Congress to help protect Americans from the dangers of this gas.”

Rep. Carter introduced the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2019, H.R. 1618, in March with U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH) to encourage states to require the installation of residential carbon monoxide detectors in homes, according to the bill’s text.

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce passed the measure and forwarded it to the full committee for consideration.

If enacted, H.R. 1618 would establish a new grant program to install CO alarms in the homes of elderly and low-income individuals, as well as in schools and other public facilities.

In selecting eligible states to receive grants, the Consumer Product Safety Commission would be required to favorably consider those that require the installation of compliant CO alarms in new or existing educational facilities, childcare facilities, healthcare facilities, adult dependent care facilities, government buildings, restaurants, theaters, lodging establishments, or dwelling units, according to the bill.

The bill also would provide incentives for states to pass laws that require CO alarms, according to the bill.