Fire Safety Amendment Act 2023

What this bill does

This bill clarifies how fire safety rules (called NFPA Codes) apply in Bermuda under the Fire Safety Act 2014. It makes clear that these fire safety codes apply generally across Bermuda, but specifically states they do not apply to airport fire and rescue services at Bermuda's airport.

If passed (voted YES)

• Fire safety rules will officially apply throughout Bermuda as intended, giving clearer legal guidance to property owners and fire officials
• Airport fire and rescue services at L.F. Wade International Airport will remain exempt from these general fire safety codes and can continue operating under their own specialized standards
• All fire safety decisions made since 2018 will be legally validated and confirmed as proper

If rejected (voted NO)

• There may continue to be legal uncertainty about exactly where and how fire safety rules apply in Bermuda
• Questions could remain about whether airport fire services should follow the same codes as other buildings and services
• Past fire safety enforcement actions since 2018 might face legal challenges over their validity

Who it affects

This primarily affects property owners, businesses, fire safety officials, and airport rescue services who need clear rules about which fire safety standards to follow. It also provides legal certainty for anyone who has dealt with fire safety compliance since 2018.