It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Sections 23-28.18-1 and 23-28.18-23 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-28.18 entitled "Theatres" are hereby amended to read as follows:

{ADD 23-28.18-1. Applicability. -- ADD} (a) The regulations contained in this chapter shall apply to all theatres as defined in section 23-28.1-5, except only such places as are expressly exempt in accordance with the provisions of this code.

(b) All new theaters hereafter constructed, every addition hereafter made to a theater and any building hereafter converted for use in whole or in part for a theater {ADD and any existing theatre ADD} shall be in accordance with N.F.P.A. Standard 101, 1988 edition, Chapter 8 {ADD and 9 ADD} and {DEL its DEL} {ADD their ADD} related chapters and standards.

{ADD Exception: Previously approved theatres meeting the requirements of earlier editions and amendments of this chapter may be continued in use subject to the approval of the State or Local Fire Marshal. ADD}

SECTION 2. Section 23-28.18-23 of Chapter 28.18 of the General Laws entitled"Theatres" is hereby repealed in its entirety.

{DEL 23-28.18-23. New high rise buildings. -- DEL} {DEL Fire safety requirements for new high rise buildings shall be in accordance with B.O.C.A., 1975 edition, section 431.0. DEL}

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.