Fire Safety

This bill would create appropriations for and establish The Fire Safety Fund. The program would help certain facilities procure and install emergency communication equipment, fire alarm systems and fire suppression equipment.

The bill has received support from a fire protection company but the future of this legislation is uncertain. The passage of the bill is contingent on appropriations from the state budget. The legislature is currently out of session and does not reconvene until September 10, 2007. The bill is not expected to be discussed in the fall, but will be revisited during next year's session.

California Senate Bill 544, "Fire Alarms and Safety Devices"

This bill, introduced by Senator Dave Cox (R), would repeal existing law that requires any fire alarm system or device to be approved by the state fire marshal beginning January 1, 2008. Under the existing law, companies would have to pay for their products to be tested and listed as an approved product.

The legislation is supported by many alarm companies including several SIA members. It is opposed by the State Fire Marshal. The bill is currently being held for review by the state Assembly's Appropriations Committee, but has already passed the Senate.

NY SB247, "Fire Extinguishers, Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Tax Exemption."

This legislation would exempt fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors from New York State sales tax. The bill passed the Senate in June, and was referred to the Assembly's Ways and Means Committee. The legislation is expected to pass the Assembly when the legislature reconvenes in January 2008.

MI HB4730 the "Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act."

This bill would require the installation of one or more carbon monoxide detectors in each sleeping room of a hotel building. It would also establish standards and requirements for the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in hotel rooms.

The legislation has not yet had a committee hearing. Similar legislation is pending in a number of other states.

Indiana HB1161 Certification of Fire Sprinkler Contractors

The bill would require the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission to certify certain automatic fire sprinkler contractors, establish a certification requirement for fire sprinkler contractors and prohibit certain fire sprinkler contractors from engaging in uncertified installation or system work.

The legislation died in the Committee on Public Policy. The bill may be reintroduced during Indiana’s next legislative session.