SB 6001 Washington Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning scissor stair regulations in the state building code.

SB 6001 requires Washington's building code council to form a technical advisory group to recommend changes allowing "scissor stairs" (two interlocking stairways with separate exits) in multi-unit residential buildings with more than two permanent dwelling units. The group must evaluate health, safety, cost impacts, and provide recommendations for the 2027 building code update. This bill does not change current codes but sets a process for future updates affecting new construction in apartment-style buildings. The requirement expires on January 1, 2031.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 7, 2026 Last action Feb 26, 2026

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What changed between versions

Bill → Substitute Bill · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was renumbered from S-3766.1 to S-4265.1 and updated with Senate committee action dates. The core policy regarding scissor stair regulations remains the same, but the implementation timeline was tightened to require adoption in the 2027 code update instead of the next update after January 1, 2027. The definition of scissor stairs was slightly refined to specify that the stairways are 'separately enclosed and divided' by fire-rated assemblies.

TIMELINE

The deadline for the advisory group to submit recommendations was changed to ensure implementation occurs in the 2027 state building code update, replacing the previous vague reference to the first update after January 1, 2027.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'scissor stairs' was updated to explicitly state the stairways are 'separately enclosed and divided' by fire-resistance rated assemblies, adding clarity to the physical separation requirements.

TECHNICAL

The bill text was reformatted to include line numbers and updated the header to reflect the new bill number (S-4265.1) and the date it was read in committee.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jan 28, 2026

Upper · Passed

Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

upper

Jan 21, 2026

Upper · Passed

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Housing at 10:30 AM.

upper

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors