SB256 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Church, exempt certain buildings used to host volunteers after declaration of a disaster from certain fire codes

Summary

SB256 would exempt large church buildings from certain fire-code requirements for the duration of a declared disaster (up to three years) when they host or shelter adult disaster volunteers.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would remove certain fire-safety code requirements for church buildings over 12,000 square feet after a disaster is declared, but only while the building is hosting or housing volunteers who are responding to the disaster and who are at least 18 years old. The exemption lasts for the duration of the disaster, but no longer than three years. The bill also defines what counts as a church for this exemption and sets when the law would take effect.

Who It Affects

• Church-owned buildings larger than 12,000 square feet, which would receive the fire-code exemption during a declared disaster when hosting/housing volunteers 18+.
• Volunteers aged 18 or older who are hosted or housed in those church buildings during disaster response, as their housing would be covered by the exemption.

Key Provisions

• Exemption from Section 903 of the International Fire Code and NFPA Code 909 for church buildings over 12,000 square feet after a disaster declaration if hosting/housing volunteers 18+.
• The exemption lasts for the duration of the disaster, but cannot exceed three years.
• Applies only to volunteers who are at least 18 years old and who are responding to the disaster.
• Defines 'Church' for the act and sets the effective date as the first day of the third month following passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Churches