SB4 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rusty Glover

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

SB4 would require certain non-volunteer Alabama fire departments with paid firefighters to install diesel exhaust systems in stations or on apparatus, with design and timing rules for new construction and existing facilities, and it ties funding to local approval rules.

What This Bill Does

It requires diesel exhaust systems for existing non-volunteer departments with eight hours per day paid firefighters, and requires new stations to incorporate such systems in the design. It sets installation timelines: five years for departments with 1-10 stations, and seven-and-a-half years for departments with 11 or more stations. It also adds safety requirements like door closures and weather seals to prevent exhaust from entering living areas, and requires a separate PPE storage room in new stations. Finally, it changes how local funds can be used by requiring a 2/3 vote for new or increased local expenditures, with certain exceptions or state funding available.

Who It Affects

• Non-volunteer fire departments in Alabama that have paid firefighters on duty eight hours or more per day, who must install diesel exhaust systems.
• Departments with 1-10 manned stations (fewer stations) and those with 11+ stations, due to different installation timelines.
• Local governments and funding entities that support these fire departments, since the bill affects local expenditures and requires potential approval or funding.
• Firefighters and staff, who would benefit from reduced diesel exhaust exposure and, in new stations, dedicated PPE storage and safer building design.

Key Provisions

• Diesel exhaust system defined as one of four types: dilution ventilation, tailpipe capture, air filtration, or vehicle-mounted filtration/capture.
• Applies to non-volunteer departments with paid firefighters eight hours per day.
• Existing stations: install diesel exhaust system within five years for departments with 1-10 stations; seven-and-a-half years for departments with 11+ stations.
• New construction: must include diesel exhaust system in design; if design begins after the act's effective date, required in the apparatus bay; separate sealed room for PPE; if construction began before the act, install within five years.
• Door closures and weather stripping in existing stations to prevent exhaust from entering living/office areas within five years.
• Increased local expenditures require a 2/3 vote to become effective for local entities unless approved locally or funded by the Legislature or local revenue.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

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