Elevator Industry Leaders oppose Washington's Senate Bill on safety and accessibility standards

Concerns over elevator safety standards dominated the Washington Legislature's House Housing meeting on March 17, 2025, as stakeholders voiced strong opposition to proposed legislation aimed at increasing affordable housing. The bill, which seeks to adopt global elevator safety standards, has raised alarms among industry experts who argue it compromises public safety.

Tim, representing the Washington Association of Building Officials (WAVO), highlighted the need for additional language in the bill to align with existing Fair Housing and ADA regulations. He emphasized the importance of defining what constitutes a "wheelchair-sized elevator," noting that current global standards do not adequately address federal accessibility requirements.

Lindsay LaBrasse from the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 19 Seattle expressed grave concerns about the bill's implications for safety. She argued that the proposed changes would eliminate critical safety features, such as emergency communication devices, which are essential during emergencies like fires. "Just because someone is poor, it doesn't mean that they shouldn't have the same safety standards as everybody else," she stated, urging lawmakers to oppose the bill.

Michael Halpin, also from the International Union of Elevator Constructors, echoed these sentiments, stressing the significant retraining costs that would arise from shifting to the proposed global standards. He pointed out that the current workforce is not trained to these standards, raising concerns about the safety of both workers and the public.

Tom McBride, representing the National Elevator Industry Association, further elaborated on the potential regulatory chaos the bill could create. He noted that there are currently no certified ISO elevators available in the U.S. market, and the bill's requirements could lead to confusion and safety risks. "This bill, in its current form, won't deliver on the objective of increasing affordable housing," he warned.

The committee members acknowledged the importance of balancing affordable housing goals with safety standards. Representative Entenmann requested written documentation of the concerns raised, indicating a willingness to further explore the implications of the proposed legislation.

As discussions continue, the future of the bill remains uncertain, with stakeholders advocating for a careful approach that prioritizes both accessibility and safety in the pursuit of affordable housing solutions.