Bill > H2110

This bill amends existing Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 148, concerning smoke detectors in residential buildings. It clarifies the definitions of "approved smoke detector," which can include monitored battery-powered devices, fire warning systems, primary power systems, or combinations thereof, with specific requirements for battery monitoring to ensure functionality and notification of low battery levels. The bill mandates that upon the sale or transfer of existing one- or two-family buildings, or buildings with more than one but fewer than six dwelling units, the seller must equip the property with approved smoke detectors according to regulations set by the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations, and the head of the fire department will inspect for compliance. It also allows for flexibility in upgrades and installations for older buildings constructed before January 1, 1975, and clarifies that existing wiring installed according to previous building codes does not need to be relocated or added to. The bill designates the head of the fire department as the enforcer of these regulations, with the Fire Marshal providing training, and explicitly states that it does not override the authority of the state board of building regulations and standards for new construction or major renovations, nor does it permit cities or towns to enact their own conflicting ordinances regarding smoke detector requirements. Additionally, the bill makes technical amendments to correct cross-references to these sections.