Bill > H2109

This bill amends existing law regarding smoke detectors in residential buildings, specifically focusing on when they must be installed. It mandates that upon the sale or transfer of certain existing residential buildings, including 1- or 2-family homes and buildings with more than one but fewer than six dwelling units, the seller must equip the property with approved smoke detectors that comply with regulations set by the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations. The local fire department head will inspect these buildings at the time of sale or transfer to ensure compliance. An "existing building" for this purpose does not include those that have received a certificate of occupancy within the last five years. The bill also allows for the installation of approved monitored battery-powered smoke detectors in older buildings (constructed before January 1, 1975) that haven't undergone significant renovations or changes in use since that date, provided these detectors have a ten-year sealed battery that is monitored to ensure it's functioning properly and will signal before failing. Importantly, this bill does not override the authority of the state board of building regulations and standards concerning smoke detectors in new construction or existing buildings undergoing major work. Additionally, the bill makes conforming changes by referencing the correct section number and repealing outdated sections related to smoke detectors.