The bill adds a new, temporary section to chapter 19.27 RCW directing the State Building Code Council to convene a technical advisory group to recommend amendments to the International Building Code. The recommendations must address allowing "scissor stairs" to serve occupancies that contain sleeping units of more than two dwelling units where occupants are primarily permanent. "Scissor stairs" is defined as two interlocking stairways with two separate exits that are separately enclosed and divided by fire-resistance rated assemblies. The advisory group's recommendations must consider public health, safety, welfare, and construction costs, and must be provided in time for the council to adopt or amend rules and codes for the 2027 state building code update. The added section expires January 1, 2031. The bill was read for the first time January 29, 2026. This is a procedural change creating a temporary statutory requirement to convene an advisory group and propose code amendments; it could result in modifications to the state building code if the council adopts the recommended changes. It does not create a new crime or alter penalties. Important details not provided in the extracted text include the exact placement or section number within chapter 19.27 RCW, the advisory group's composition, appointment process, meeting schedule, or funding, no specific calendar deadline for the recommendations beyond being "in time" for the 2027 update, and no detailed procedure or criteria for how the council must act on the recommendations.

If enacted, the immediate real-world effect will be that the State Building Code Council must organize and staff a technical advisory group to study allowing scissor stairs in permanent multi‑unit housing and deliver recommendations in time for the 2027 code update; doing that will use council staff time and unspecified administrative resources, and the requirement stops January 1, 2031. Key details about who sits on the group, how it will be paid, and the exact delivery deadline are not provided, so the scale of the council’s workload and any direct cost to state or local government is uncertain. The longer-term effect, if the council adopts the group’s recommendations, is that architects, builders, and owners of apartments or similar housing with more than two sleeping units could gain a new design option—scissor stairs (two interlocking, separately enclosed stairways divided by fire‑resistant assemblies)—which may change building layouts, construction methods, and costs and will require plan reviewers and fire/safety officials to evaluate new details for health and safety. Exactly how much construction cost or safety risk would change depends on the advisory group’s recommendations and whether the council implements them.