(TRENTON) – Legislation
sponsored by Assembly Democrats John Wisniewski, Jerry Green, Mila Jasey and
Shavonda Sumter requiring the installation of fire suppression systems in
newly-constructed single- and two-family homes advanced in the Senate on
Monday.
Under the bill (A-1698), known as the “New Home Fire Safety
Act,” a certificate of occupancy would not be issued for a new home until a
state or local code enforcement agency determines that the home is equipped
with a fire suppression system that meets state standards.
“Requiring fire
suppression systems in new home construction is a simple, commonsense step that
will save lives, limit property damage and reduce insurance costs,” said
Wisniewski (D-Middlesex). “They should be as commonplace in home construction
as windows and doors.”
“Installing
fire safety equipment in newly constructed homes is an important step toward
improving public safety,” said Green (D-Union/Middlesex/Somerset). “A change
like this can go a long way toward saving the lives of both residents and
firefighters.”
“Protecting
people should always be our first priority,” said Jasey (D-Essex/Morris). “Making
these fire suppression systems routine will provide peace of mind for families
while minimizing the risks for firefighters who put their own lives on the line
to protect us.”
“Just earlier
this year, a Paterson house fire – unfortunately
one of multiple fires in the city in recent months – put the residents, their
neighbors and dozens of firefighters in grave danger,” said Sumter (D-Bergen/Passaic). “The severity of
that tragic incident and others like it serves as a poignant reminder of why
having residential fire sprinklers in new homes is so crucial.”
The legislation provides an exemption for 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 cost
of a certificate of occupancy.
The bill, which
has already been approved by the full Assembly, was approved by the Senate
Budget and Appropriations Committee today and now awaits final legislative
approval by the full Senate.
