Bill
Bill > A5184
NJ A5184
NJ A5184Concerns availability of fire escape mechanisms in residential dwellings; provides penalty for violation.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides for the implementation of additional fire safety measures in residential structures. This bill would require that in addition to smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, which are already required in certain residential structures, that such structures also be equipped with "fire escape mechanisms." A fire escape mechanism is defined as a device or system of devices which provide for the safe exit of a person or persons from a window when passage through the use of ground floor exits is inaccessible due to fire, smoke, or other life-threatening danger. This bill also provides the Commissioner of Community Affairs with authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement this new safety measure. The fire escape mechanism requirement would be enforced by the municipality if it has an ordinance requiring inspections upon a change of occupancy, or by the appropriate fire code official in the event the municipality does not have an inspection ordinance. The bill permits a penalty, not to exceed $1,000, to be imposed for a violation of the fire escape mechanism requirement.
AI Summary
This bill enhances fire safety requirements for residential structures by mandating additional protective measures. Specifically, the bill requires that residential structures with two or fewer households be equipped with smoke alarms, portable fire extinguishers, and new "fire escape mechanisms" on each level above the ground floor. A fire escape mechanism is defined as a device or system (such as an anchor plate, hook, and rope system) that allows safe exit from a window when ground floor exits are blocked by fire, smoke, or other life-threatening dangers. The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Community Affairs to create rules for implementing these requirements and establishes enforcement mechanisms through municipal inspections or fire code officials during property ownership changes. Property owners who fail to comply with these safety requirements can be fined up to $500 for smoke alarm violations, $100 for fire extinguisher issues, and $1,000 for fire escape mechanism non-compliance. The bill aims to provide residents with additional emergency exit options and improve overall residential fire safety, with the new requirements applying to most residential structures during ownership transfers or occupancy changes.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee (on 01/14/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5184 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5184_I1.HTM |
Loading...