(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 during the home’s construction was released Monday by an Assembly panel.
“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). “Making these fire suppression systems routine is quite simply the right thing to do for both our residents and firefighters.”
In order to ensure compliance with an ordinance requiring the installation of a fire suppression system in new single and two family homes, this bill would condition the issuance of a certificate of occupancy upon the installation of the system.
All fire suppression systems required by such ordinances would have to conform to the requirements promulgated by the Commissioner of Community Affairs.
The bill was released by the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee.
