The state senate on Wednesday, approved a bill sponsored by Senator Judy Ward that sets commonsense safety standards for barns and other agricultural buildings that are repurposed for weddings and other social events. Senate Bill 191 would allow farmers to file an annual affidavit that their venue meets certain safety standard alleviating the costly requirements that are included in the state’s Uniform Construction Code for buildings that host weddings, receptions and similar events….
Ward’s bill would still require repurposed agricultural buildings to meet a number of safety standards, including the availability of functioning smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and signage indicating all external entrances in case of a fire. Owners would be required to carry liability insurance while smoking and all open flames would also be prohibited.