Rep. Jeanne McNeill, a Democrat from Lehigh County, is the bill sponsor for HB 156. This would mandate that child care facilities that could produce carbon monoxide leaks (from appliances such as gas heaters for example), need to have carbon monoxide alarms installed in their buildings.

This is McNeill’s third session to introduce legislation like this. There is often some concern raised that the law would be a unfunded mandate against businesses. McNeill said it can cost $100 for two alarms, that come with batteries that last 10 years. She says the prevention is worth the cost— and that businesses can sometimes get devices from fire departments or other public health entities for free.

HB156 was voted out of the House in April by a 176-27 vote. It is now sitting in the Health and Human Services Committee in the Senate.