House Bill 608 Summary

• Establishes elevator safety requirements for private residences, cottages, and similar accommodations subject to taxation under G.S. 105-164.4F, including maximum gap specifications of 4.75 inches between landing doors and car doors after application of 75-pound force tests.

• Requires horizontal sliding car doors and gates to withstand 75-pound horizontal force on a 4-inch by 4-inch area without permanent deformation or deflection exceeding 0.75 inches, and requires folding car doors to withstand equivalent force using a 4-inch diameter sphere.

• Mandates landlords prevent elevator operation if non-compliant by installing hoistway door space guards, full-height door baffles, or 31.75-inch height door baffles that are nonremovable and meet specified force resistance requirements.

• Requires landlords to provide the Commissioner of Insurance with either a professional elevator installer certification or a purchase receipt with installation date and photographs documenting compliance.

• Makes violation of operating non-compliant elevators a Class 2 misdemeanor; Section 1 becomes effective June 30, 2024, with remaining provisions effective upon enactment on June 30, 2023.