Bill > SB303

This bill modifies the sunset date for Act 83, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012, specifically adjusting the repeal date for section 46-19.8 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes from June 30, 2027, to June 30, 2025. The bill provides extensive context about fire safety, noting that national residential building codes have required fire sprinklers since 2009, and that twenty states allow counties to adopt codes requiring fire sprinkler installation in residential units. The legislature acknowledges that counties face unique challenges in fire protection and recognizes the importance of fire sprinklers in reducing fire spread, property damage, and potential loss of life. The bill highlights that the state building code council adopted the 2024 international residential code, which mandates automatic sprinkler systems in newly constructed residential dwelling units. By changing the sunset date, the bill appears to be giving counties more flexibility to implement fire safety measures while setting a clear timeline for the potential implementation of fire sprinkler requirements. The act will take effect on June 29, 2025, providing a specific window for counties to consider and potentially adopt fire sprinkler regulations.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=303&year=2025