Fire Safety Reform Bill Passed in First Reading in Uzbekistan's Legislative Chamber

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A bill aimed at improving the fire safety system has been passed in its first reading by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.

At the session, deputies discussed the need to strengthen preventive measures, establish a comprehensive legal and organizational framework in the area of fire safety, and increase the accountability of citizens and organizations for compliance with relevant standards.

It was noted that systematic work is being carried out across the country to prevent fires and ensure reliable protection of the lives and health of citizens, as well as the property of individuals and legal entities.

The bill is aimed at further improving existing legislation, strengthening preventive measures, and creating mechanisms for compensating damage caused by fires. It provides for amendments and additions to the laws "On Fire Safety" and "On Administrative Liability," as well as to the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Criminal Code.

Among the key provisions are the establishment of technical requirements for buildings based on their category — including a ban on the use of combustible construction materials — the introduction of a mechanism for recovering damages from the party at fault, procedures for auditing facilities for compliance with fire safety requirements, and increased liability for officials, design and construction organizations, and the management bodies of multi-apartment residential buildings.

The bill also expands citizens' obligations to comply with fire safety regulations and refines accountability mechanisms for violations related to the retail sale of liquefied petroleum gas, the preparation of false audit conclusions, participation in audits without the appropriate certification, and unlawful interference in permitting procedures within urban planning activities. Both administrative and criminal liability have been established for the relevant offenses.

Deputies actively debated the provisions of the bill, including the rights and responsibilities of residential building management bodies, audit procedures, and compliance with legislative requirements in the drafting of the document.

It was noted that the bill requires further refinement, but that overall it is aimed at improving the effectiveness of the fire prevention system, guaranteeing compensation for damages, expanding the role of the non-governmental sector, and increasing the responsibility of citizens and organizations for compliance with fire safety standards.

Following the session, the bill was passed in its first reading.