(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 received final legislative approval on Thursday by the full Senate.
“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 25-13 in the Senate and 44-30 by the Assembly in January 2013.