ARTICLE
This Legislative Update provides NAFED members with information related to proposed 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. ARKANSAS HB1006 - An Act for The Department of Labor & Licensing - Boards and Commissions Appropriation for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Labor and Licensing's Boards and Commissions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, outlining specific amounts for personal services, operating expenses, and other costs for various licensing boards, including those for public accountancy, appraisers, abstracters, home inspectors, athletic commissions, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, auctioneers, bail bondsmen, barber examiners, contractors, collection agencies, professional engineers and surveyors, fire protection, HVAC, manufactured homes, motor vehicles, real estate, professional geologists, and towing and recovery. It also establishes the maximum number of regular and "extra help" (temporary or part-time) employees for these boards. The bill also emphasizes compliance with other state fiscal laws and declares an emergency to ensure the appropriations are effective by July 1, 2026, for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety. Learn More » ILLINOIS SB3393: OSFM-CONTINUING EDUCATION This bill mandates that the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), which is the state agency responsible for fire safety, will create a report to assess how well the current continuing education rules for fire sprinkler contractors are working and what effects they are having on the industry. The report, which must be given to the General Assembly, the state's legislative body, by December 31, 2026, will also suggest any changes to laws or regulations that might be needed. This requirement is being added to the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act, which governs the licensing and requirements for individuals and companies that install and maintain fire sprinkler systems. Learn More » LOUISIANA HB1186: Provides Relative to the Uniform Construction Code and Inspector Licensing This bill establishes the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission (LUCCC) to oversee and enforce a statewide Uniform Construction Code (UCC) for commercial and residential buildings, aiming to ensure public health, safety, and welfare while balancing affordability. The LUCCC will be responsible for adopting, amending, and enforcing the UCC, which will be based on nationally recognized codes like the International Building Code and International Residential Code, with specific exclusions such as sprinkler system requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. A key provision of this bill is the licensing of building inspectors, requiring them to be licensed by the LUCCC to perform inspections and enforce the UCC. The bill also outlines the powers and duties of the LUCCC, including issuing and revoking licenses, collecting fees on permits (capped at $10 per permit), and establishing rules and regulations. It clarifies the roles of public and private inspectors, defines various terms related to construction and inspection, and sets forth requirements for inspector licensing, including background checks and insurance for private inspectors. The bill also addresses conflicts of interest for inspectors and outlines disciplinary measures for violations, such as license suspension or revocation and fines. Additionally, it amends existing laws to include the LUCCC in lists of agencies that can access criminal history information and makes financial statements submitted by private inspector companies confidential. Finally, it repeals a previous law related to construction codes and directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to update terminology from "Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council" to "Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission." Learn More » MARYLAND SB513: Fire Prevention - Assistant Fire Marshals, Residential Rental High-Rise Property Fire Safety Equipment, and Fire Alarm System Technicians This bill makes several changes to fire safety regulations, including allowing counties and municipalities to designate assistant State Fire Marshals with approval from the State Fire Marshal, who will also establish regulations for their training and certification in areas like fire inspection, plan review, and investigation. It also redefines "high-rise building" for fire safety purposes and mandates the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in residential rental high-rise buildings undergoing substantial renovations starting October 1, 2026, with specific requirements for fire-resistant construction and other safety features. Furthermore, the bill establishes a program to license and regulate fire alarm system technicians and companies, outlining requirements for their training, professional standards, and liability insurance, similar to existing regulations for fire sprinkler contractors. Learn More » NEW HAMPSHIRE SB494: Relative to the State Fire Code, Fire Incident Reporting and Investigations, and the Duties of the State Fire Marshal 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. Learn More » HB244: Updating and Recodifying the Municipal Enforcement of the Building and Fire Code This bill aims to update and reorganize the state's building and fire code enforcement by moving certain provisions from one section of state law (RSA 47) to another (RSA 155-A), while also making various technical and clarifying changes throughout the statutes. Key provisions include clarifying the authority of municipal officials to order buildings vacated in cases of imminent danger, establishing a more detailed framework for local building code enforcement mechanisms, including the roles of building inspectors and building code boards of appeals, and outlining procedures for adopting and amending building codes at the local level. The bill also introduces new penalties for violations and clarifies enforcement procedures, while repealing outdated sections of law related to building codes and manufactured housing. Essentially, it modernizes and centralizes the administration and enforcement of building and fire safety regulations within the state. Learn More » RHODE ISLAND SB2647: Establishes the Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Licensing and Certification Act (it also requires entities inspecting or cleaning commercial exhaust systems be licensed and insured) This bill establishes the "Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Licensing and Certification Act" to enhance safety by regulating businesses and individuals who inspect and clean these systems, which are crucial for preventing fires caused by grease buildup. The Act mandates that any entity or individual performing these services must be licensed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and that technicians must be certified. To obtain a certificate, individuals need training, experience, to pass an approved exam, and undergo a background check. Businesses seeking a license must employ certified technicians, possess proper equipment, and maintain general liability and worker's compensation insurance. The OSFM will administer these programs, collecting fees to support them, and will issue decals to be placed on rangehoods after service, indicating the date, service provider, and their credentials. The Act also outlines requirements for reporting critical conditions found during inspections, establishes penalties for violations, and details appeal processes, with all provisions taking effect on January 1, 2029. Learn More »
This Legislative Update provides NAFED members with information related to proposed 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.
ARKANSAS
HB1006 - An Act for The Department of Labor & Licensing - Boards and Commissions Appropriation for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year This bill appropriates funds for the Department of Labor and Licensing's Boards and Commissions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, outlining specific amounts for personal services, operating expenses, and other costs for various licensing boards, including those for public accountancy, appraisers, abstracters, home inspectors, athletic commissions, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, auctioneers, bail bondsmen, barber examiners, contractors, collection agencies, professional engineers and surveyors, fire protection, HVAC, manufactured homes, motor vehicles, real estate, professional geologists, and towing and recovery. It also establishes the maximum number of regular and "extra help" (temporary or part-time) employees for these boards. The bill also emphasizes compliance with other state fiscal laws and declares an emergency to ensure the appropriations are effective by July 1, 2026, for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, and safety.
Learn More »
ILLINOIS
SB3393: OSFM-CONTINUING EDUCATION This bill mandates that the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), which is the state agency responsible for fire safety, will create a report to assess how well the current continuing education rules for fire sprinkler contractors are working and what effects they are having on the industry. The report, which must be given to the General Assembly, the state's legislative body, by December 31, 2026, will also suggest any changes to laws or regulations that might be needed. This requirement is being added to the Fire Sprinkler Contractor Licensing Act, which governs the licensing and requirements for individuals and companies that install and maintain fire sprinkler systems.
LOUISIANA
HB1186: Provides Relative to the Uniform Construction Code and Inspector Licensing This bill establishes the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission (LUCCC) to oversee and enforce a statewide Uniform Construction Code (UCC) for commercial and residential buildings, aiming to ensure public health, safety, and welfare while balancing affordability. The LUCCC will be responsible for adopting, amending, and enforcing the UCC, which will be based on nationally recognized codes like the International Building Code and International Residential Code, with specific exclusions such as sprinkler system requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. A key provision of this bill is the licensing of building inspectors, requiring them to be licensed by the LUCCC to perform inspections and enforce the UCC. The bill also outlines the powers and duties of the LUCCC, including issuing and revoking licenses, collecting fees on permits (capped at $10 per permit), and establishing rules and regulations. It clarifies the roles of public and private inspectors, defines various terms related to construction and inspection, and sets forth requirements for inspector licensing, including background checks and insurance for private inspectors. The bill also addresses conflicts of interest for inspectors and outlines disciplinary measures for violations, such as license suspension or revocation and fines. Additionally, it amends existing laws to include the LUCCC in lists of agencies that can access criminal history information and makes financial statements submitted by private inspector companies confidential. Finally, it repeals a previous law related to construction codes and directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to update terminology from "Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council" to "Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission."
MARYLAND
SB513: Fire Prevention - Assistant Fire Marshals, Residential Rental High-Rise Property Fire Safety Equipment, and Fire Alarm System Technicians This bill makes several changes to fire safety regulations, including allowing counties and municipalities to designate assistant State Fire Marshals with approval from the State Fire Marshal, who will also establish regulations for their training and certification in areas like fire inspection, plan review, and investigation. It also redefines "high-rise building" for fire safety purposes and mandates the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in residential rental high-rise buildings undergoing substantial renovations starting October 1, 2026, with specific requirements for fire-resistant construction and other safety features. Furthermore, the bill establishes a program to license and regulate fire alarm system technicians and companies, outlining requirements for their training, professional standards, and liability insurance, similar to existing regulations for fire sprinkler contractors.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
SB494: Relative to the State Fire Code, Fire Incident Reporting and Investigations, and the Duties of the State Fire Marshal 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.
HB244: Updating and Recodifying the Municipal Enforcement of the Building and Fire Code This bill aims to update and reorganize the state's building and fire code enforcement by moving certain provisions from one section of state law (RSA 47) to another (RSA 155-A), while also making various technical and clarifying changes throughout the statutes. Key provisions include clarifying the authority of municipal officials to order buildings vacated in cases of imminent danger, establishing a more detailed framework for local building code enforcement mechanisms, including the roles of building inspectors and building code boards of appeals, and outlining procedures for adopting and amending building codes at the local level. The bill also introduces new penalties for violations and clarifies enforcement procedures, while repealing outdated sections of law related to building codes and manufactured housing. Essentially, it modernizes and centralizes the administration and enforcement of building and fire safety regulations within the state.
RHODE ISLAND
SB2647: Establishes the Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Licensing and Certification Act (it also requires entities inspecting or cleaning commercial exhaust systems be licensed and insured) This bill establishes the "Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Licensing and Certification Act" to enhance safety by regulating businesses and individuals who inspect and clean these systems, which are crucial for preventing fires caused by grease buildup. The Act mandates that any entity or individual performing these services must be licensed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and that technicians must be certified. To obtain a certificate, individuals need training, experience, to pass an approved exam, and undergo a background check. Businesses seeking a license must employ certified technicians, possess proper equipment, and maintain general liability and worker's compensation insurance. The OSFM will administer these programs, collecting fees to support them, and will issue decals to be placed on rangehoods after service, indicating the date, service provider, and their credentials. The Act also outlines requirements for reporting critical conditions found during inspections, establishes penalties for violations, and details appeal processes, with all provisions taking effect on January 1, 2029.