Bill > SB494

This bill updates the state fire code by adopting the 2024 editions of NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and NFPA 1 (Uniform Fire Code), and ratifies all amendments approved by the state board of fire control as of December 31, 2025. It modifies procedures for reporting and investigating fires, requiring fire departments to report incidents to the state fire marshal within 10 days and allowing the state fire marshal to adopt rules for this reporting. The bill also expands the state fire marshal's investigative powers to include building collapses and carbon monoxide releases, and mandates immediate reporting and investigation of such incidents when death occurs, with the fire marshal empowered to share findings with law enforcement for prosecution. Additionally, the state fire marshal is authorized to charge inspection fees for electrical and mechanical safety inspections requested by property owners, local authorities, or contractors, and can conduct local fire code inspections if local officials are unavailable for three business days, also potentially charging a fee. To aid inspectors, the office of professional licensure and certification will share data on current and past licensees of the mechanical safety and electricians' boards with the state fire marshal, with specific limitations on personal information and confidentiality requirements.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1248&inflect=2