Fire safety standards: hydrogen facilities.

Assembly Member Carrillo's hydrogen facility safety legislation would establish the National Fire Protection Association Hydrogen Technologies Code as California's statewide standard for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution facilities, while creating new oversight and training mechanisms through the State Fire Marshal's office.

The measure directs the State Fire Marshal to appoint a dedicated hydrogen fire expert responsible for providing guidance on code implementation and compliance. Local governments would retain authority to adopt more stringent standards based on specific hazards and risks in their jurisdictions, following consultation with the State Fire Marshal. The bill also requires the State Fire Marshal to conduct ongoing training for local fire departments and building inspectors on hydrogen safety protocols and enforcement procedures.

This framework builds upon existing state law, which established the Office of the State Fire Marshal within the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to oversee fire and panic safety measures. The new provisions would create specialized oversight specifically for hydrogen facilities while maintaining local flexibility to address unique circumstances.