(TRENTON) – Fire safety legislation
sponsored by Assembly Democrats John Wisniewski, Jerry Green and Mila Jasey to
require the installation of a fire suppression system in new single and
two-family homes was approved Monday by the General Assembly.
“This is
a simple, commonsense step that will quite simply save lives and property,” said
Deputy Speaker Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). “We know these suppression systems are
effective, so there’s really no reason why they shouldn’t be as commonplace in
new construction as windows and doors.”
“Ensuring public safety is among our
top priorities, and this would be an important step toward ensuring fire safety
in new construction,” said Speaker Pro Tempore Green
(D-Union/Middlesex/Somerset). “A change like this can go a long way toward
saving lives of residents and firefighters, and that’s always a good
thing.”
“Protecting lives is a priority,”
said Jasey (D-Essex/Morris). “Making these fire suppression systems routine is
quite simply the right thing to do for both our residents and
firefighters.”
The bill, named the
“New Home Fire Safety Act”, requires the installation of a
fire suppression system in new single and two-family homes. Under the
bill (A-1570), a certificate of occupancy would not be issued for a new home
until the state or local code enforcement agency determines that the home is
equipped with a fire suppression system that conforms to State Uniform
Construction Code systems promulgated by the Commissioner of Community Affairs.
The bill would exempt
manufactured homes and single and two-family homes that are not connected to
public water systems.
The bill permits
municipalities and the Commissioner of Community Affairs to each establish a fee
that covers the cost of inspection and the issuance of a certificate of
occupancy.
The bill
was approved 44-30 by the Assembly and now awaits further consideration by the
Senate.
No comments:
Post a Comment