ARTICLE
This Legislative Update provides NAFED members with information related to new and/or modified fire protection and fire safety regulations/requirements at the state level. The report is not all-encompassing but rather informational and directional in nature. Should you be interested in learning more about a specific initiative listed, please click on the applicable link. FLORIDA FL SB710: Underground Utility and Excavation Contractors This bill modifies regulations for underground utility and excavation contractors in Florida, specifically expanding their permitted activities related to fire protection system piping. The bill allows underground utility and excavation contractors to install underground piping for fire protection systems up to a point within 5 feet of a building, terminating at a valve, but prohibits them from installing such piping inside the building. The legislation also formally defines an "underground utility and excavation contractor" as an individual holding a current and valid license under the existing statutory definition. By amending sections of Florida statutes related to contractor licensing and fire protection systems, the bill updates the scope of work permitted for these contractors while maintaining safety standards. The changes are technical in nature and aim to clarify the permissible activities of underground utility and excavation contractors, particularly with respect to fire protection system infrastructure. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, which provides ample time for contractors and regulatory bodies to understand and implement the new provisions. Learn More » MAINE ME LD2012: An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Carbon Monoxide Detectors This bill amends existing laws governing carbon monoxide detector requirements in Maine, making several key changes. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill expands carbon monoxide detector installation requirements to include any occupancy specified in the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code, in addition to existing requirements for single-family dwellings, hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and student housing. The bill changes the Commissioner of Public Safety's rulemaking authority from a mandatory requirement to a permissive one, allowing (but not requiring) the commissioner to adopt rules about carbon monoxide detectors. For educational facilities, the bill modifies the previous requirement of installing at least one detector to now mandate installation in accordance with the Life Safety Code, potentially increasing the number of detectors required. Additionally, the bill clarifies enforcement provisions by explicitly authorizing the Office of the State Fire Marshal, law enforcement officers, code enforcement officers, and fire inspectors to enforce carbon monoxide detector regulations. These changes aim to improve safety standards and provide more flexible implementation of carbon monoxide detector requirements across various types of buildings and facilities in Maine. Learn More » MASSACHUSETTS Bill S.2647: An Act to Study Single-stair Residential Buildings This bill establishes a special commission to study and potentially create building code amendments that would allow multi-family residential buildings up to six stories tall to be constructed with only one staircase. The commission will be composed of representatives from various organizations including the Fire Chiefs Association, American Institute of Architects, National Fire Protection Association, Board of Building Regulations and Standards, and others, with the commissioner of occupational licensure serving as chair. The commission is tasked with producing a comprehensive report by December 15, 2026, which will include a technical study on the safety of single-stair residential buildings compared to two-staircase buildings, proposed safety modifications, a draft building code amendment, an estimate of potential additional housing units that could be created, and a proposed implementation timeline. The study will specifically consider a pre-existing report by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, Boston Indicators, and Utile, and will aim to explore ways to potentially increase housing availability while maintaining appropriate safety standards for multi-story residential buildings. Learn More » NEW HAMPSHIRE SB 494: Relative to the State Fire Code, Fire Incident Reporting and Investigations, and the Duties of the State Fire Marshal. This bill updates several aspects of New Hampshire's fire safety regulations. It revises the state fire code by adopting the 2024 editions of the Life Safety Code and Uniform Fire Code, replacing the previous 2021 versions. The bill modifies fire incident reporting procedures, requiring fire departments to report all incident responses to the state fire marshal within 10 days and mandating immediate reporting of fires resulting in death. The state fire marshal is granted expanded investigative powers, including the ability to investigate fires with suspicious origins and notify appropriate authorities. The bill also introduces new duties for the state fire marshal, such as the ability to charge inspection fees for electrical and mechanical safety inspections and conduct local fire code inspections when local fire chiefs are unavailable. Additionally, the bill allows the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to share business contact information for mechanical and electrical licensees with the fire marshal to assist appointed inspectors. The legislation also ratifies all fire code amendments approved by the Board of Fire Control as of December 31, 2025, and will take effect 60 days after its passage. Learn More »
This Legislative Update provides NAFED members with information related to new and/or modified fire protection and fire safety regulations/requirements at the state level. The report is not all-encompassing but rather informational and directional in nature. Should you be interested in learning more about a specific initiative listed, please click on the applicable link.
FLORIDA
FL SB710: Underground Utility and Excavation Contractors This bill modifies regulations for underground utility and excavation contractors in Florida, specifically expanding their permitted activities related to fire protection system piping. The bill allows underground utility and excavation contractors to install underground piping for fire protection systems up to a point within 5 feet of a building, terminating at a valve, but prohibits them from installing such piping inside the building. The legislation also formally defines an "underground utility and excavation contractor" as an individual holding a current and valid license under the existing statutory definition. By amending sections of Florida statutes related to contractor licensing and fire protection systems, the bill updates the scope of work permitted for these contractors while maintaining safety standards. The changes are technical in nature and aim to clarify the permissible activities of underground utility and excavation contractors, particularly with respect to fire protection system infrastructure. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, which provides ample time for contractors and regulatory bodies to understand and implement the new provisions.
Learn More »
MAINE
ME LD2012: An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Carbon Monoxide Detectors This bill amends existing laws governing carbon monoxide detector requirements in Maine, making several key changes. Beginning January 1, 2027, the bill expands carbon monoxide detector installation requirements to include any occupancy specified in the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code, in addition to existing requirements for single-family dwellings, hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and student housing. The bill changes the Commissioner of Public Safety's rulemaking authority from a mandatory requirement to a permissive one, allowing (but not requiring) the commissioner to adopt rules about carbon monoxide detectors. For educational facilities, the bill modifies the previous requirement of installing at least one detector to now mandate installation in accordance with the Life Safety Code, potentially increasing the number of detectors required. Additionally, the bill clarifies enforcement provisions by explicitly authorizing the Office of the State Fire Marshal, law enforcement officers, code enforcement officers, and fire inspectors to enforce carbon monoxide detector regulations. These changes aim to improve safety standards and provide more flexible implementation of carbon monoxide detector requirements across various types of buildings and facilities in Maine.
MASSACHUSETTS
Bill S.2647: An Act to Study Single-stair Residential Buildings This bill establishes a special commission to study and potentially create building code amendments that would allow multi-family residential buildings up to six stories tall to be constructed with only one staircase. The commission will be composed of representatives from various organizations including the Fire Chiefs Association, American Institute of Architects, National Fire Protection Association, Board of Building Regulations and Standards, and others, with the commissioner of occupational licensure serving as chair. The commission is tasked with producing a comprehensive report by December 15, 2026, which will include a technical study on the safety of single-stair residential buildings compared to two-staircase buildings, proposed safety modifications, a draft building code amendment, an estimate of potential additional housing units that could be created, and a proposed implementation timeline. The study will specifically consider a pre-existing report by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, Boston Indicators, and Utile, and will aim to explore ways to potentially increase housing availability while maintaining appropriate safety standards for multi-story residential buildings.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
SB 494: Relative to the State Fire Code, Fire Incident Reporting and Investigations, and the Duties of the State Fire Marshal. This bill updates several aspects of New Hampshire's fire safety regulations. It revises the state fire code by adopting the 2024 editions of the Life Safety Code and Uniform Fire Code, replacing the previous 2021 versions. The bill modifies fire incident reporting procedures, requiring fire departments to report all incident responses to the state fire marshal within 10 days and mandating immediate reporting of fires resulting in death. The state fire marshal is granted expanded investigative powers, including the ability to investigate fires with suspicious origins and notify appropriate authorities. The bill also introduces new duties for the state fire marshal, such as the ability to charge inspection fees for electrical and mechanical safety inspections and conduct local fire code inspections when local fire chiefs are unavailable. Additionally, the bill allows the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification to share business contact information for mechanical and electrical licensees with the fire marshal to assist appointed inspectors. The legislation also ratifies all fire code amendments approved by the Board of Fire Control as of December 31, 2025, and will take effect 60 days after its passage.