HB7 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tommy Hanes

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Fire Departments, non-volunteer, diesel exhaust system installed in the fire station building, required within certain time frame and under certain conditions

Summary

HB 7 would require certain non-volunteer Alabama fire departments to install diesel exhaust systems in their stations and incorporate exhaust-system design in new station plans, with specified timelines and building requirements.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires non-volunteer departments with paid firefighters on duty eight hours or more per day to install a diesel exhaust system in the fire station building or on each diesel apparatus within set timeframes (five years for departments with 1-10 stations; seven and one-half years for departments with 11 or more stations). For new fire stations, the design must include a diesel exhaust system in the apparatus bay, and if construction has already started, the system must be installed within five years. Existing stations must have door closure devices and weather stripping to prevent diesel exhaust from entering living or office areas within five years. It also creates a local-funding rule: any new or increased local expenditures would require a 2/3 vote unless the local entity approves or the Legislature provides funds, and the act becomes effective after the governor signs and a three-month waiting period passes.

Who It Affects

• Non-volunteer fire departments in Alabama that have paid firefighters on duty eight hours or more per day (they would be required to install diesel exhaust systems in stations or on equipment).
• Local governments (cities/counties) that fund these fire departments, because the bill involves new local expenditures and a 2/3 vote requirement or local approval/funding.

Key Provisions

• Diesel exhaust systems are defined to include dilution ventilation exhaust systems, tailpipe capture systems, air filtration systems, and vehicle-mounted filtration/capture systems.
• Existing non-volunteer departments with 1-10 manned stations must install a diesel exhaust system within five years; departments with 11 or more stations must install within seven and one-half years.
• New fire station construction must include a diesel exhaust system in the apparatus bay design; if the design is complete and construction has begun, the system must be installed within five years.
• Existing stations must have door closure devices and weather stripping/seals to prevent diesel exhaust from entering living or office areas within five years.
• If a new design for a fire station begins after the act’s effective date, the design must include a diesel exhaust system in the apparatus bay and a separate sealed room for gear storage.
• If a project would create a new or increased local expenditure, the measure would require a 2/3 vote at the local level unless the local entity approves or the Legislature provides funds.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Fire Departments