H.R. 1618 — what changed

In general— Subject to the availability of appropriations authorized under subsection (f), the Commission shall establish a grant program to provide assistance to eligible States to carry out the carbon monoxide poisoning prevention activities described in subsection (e).

Eligibility— For purposes of this section, an eligible State is any State that—

demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Commission that the State has adopted a statute or a rule, regulation, or similar measure with the force and effect of law, requiring compliant carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in dwelling units in accordance with NFPA 72; and

submits an application to the Commission at such time, in such form, and containing such additional information as the Commission may require, which application may be filed on behalf of the State by the fire code enforcement officials for such State.

Grant amount— The Commission shall determine the amount of the grants awarded under this section.

Selection of grant recipients— In selecting eligible States for the award of grants under this section, the Commission shall give favorable consideration to an eligible State that—

requires the installation of compliant carbon monoxide alarms in new or existing educational facilities, childcare facilities, health care facilities, adult dependent care facilities, government buildings, restaurants, theaters, lodging establishments, or dwelling units—

within which a fuel-burning appliance is installed, including a furnace, boiler, water heater, fireplace, or any other apparatus, appliance, or device that burns fuel; or

which has an attached garage; and

has developed a strategy to protect vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or low-income households.

In general— An eligible State receiving a grant under this section may use such grant—

to purchase and install compliant carbon monoxide alarms in the dwelling units of low-income families or elderly persons, facilities that commonly serve children or the elderly, including childcare facilities, public schools, and senior centers, or student dwelling units owned by public universities;

to train State or local fire code enforcement officials in the proper enforcement of State or local laws concerning compliant carbon monoxide alarms and the installation of such alarms in accordance with NFPA 72;

for the development and dissemination of training materials, instructors, and any other costs related to the training sessions authorized by this subsection; and

to educate the public about the risk associated with carbon monoxide as a poison and the importance of proper carbon monoxide alarm use.

Administrative costs— Not more than 10 percent of any grant amount received under this section may be used to cover administrative costs not directly related to training described in paragraph (1)(B).

Public outreach— Not more than 25 percent of any grant amount received under this section may be used to cover costs of activities described in paragraph (1)(D).

In general— Subject to paragraph (2), there is authorized to be appropriated to the Commission, for each of the fiscal years 2020 through 2024, $2,000,000, which shall remain available until expended to carry out this Act.

Limitation on administrative expenses— Not more than 10 percent of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to carry out this section may be used for administrative expenses.

Retention of amounts— Any amounts appropriated pursuant to this subsection that remain unexpended and unobligated on September 30, 2024, shall be retained by the Commission and credited to the appropriations account that funds the enforcement of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051).

Report— Not later than 1 year after the last day of each fiscal year for which grants are awarded under this section, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report that evaluates the implementation of the grant program required by this section.