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. CONNECTICUT HB 05222: An Act Concerning Consumer Protection, Cannabis, Data Privacy, Fire Inspections, Criminal Mischief and Artificial Intelligence This bill enacts several changes across various sectors. It modifies regulations for licensed professionals such as accountants, engineers, and real estate agents, including adjustments to fees and continuing education requirements. Most importantly, it establishes a pilot program for risk-based residential fire inspections and creates a working group to advise on its implementation. The bill also updates definitions and regulations related to plumbing and piping work, and establishes new requirements for businesses performing skilled trade work, such as designating a contractor of record. Furthermore, it introduces regulations for donation bins, funeral service contracts, and apartment listing services. In the realm of food safety, it clarifies rules regarding adulterated or misbranded food and beverages. The bill also addresses consumer protection by updating laws concerning used motor vehicles, including express warranties and "as is" sales, and introduces new regulations for subscription-based generative artificial intelligence systems, requiring clear disclosure of terms and limitations. The bill also makes changes to cannabis regulations, including the definition of cannabis, requirements for cannabis establishments, and the composition of the State-Wide Cannabis, Hemp and Controlled Substances Enforcement Board. Additionally, it revises laws related to criminal mischief, specifically concerning damage to property and public services, and introduces new provisions for data brokers, including an accessible deletion mechanism program and requirements for online advertising of ticket resales. Finally, it includes provisions for the regulation of artificial intelligence models through independent verification organizations and addresses consumer pricing practices, particularly regarding surveillance pricing. Learn More » LOUISIANA HB917: FIRE PROTECTION - Provides Relative to Life Safety and Property Protection Licensing This bill modifies Louisiana's laws concerning life safety and property protection licensing, introducing new definitions and exemptions while updating existing requirements and fees. It defines "administrative personnel" as individuals performing routine clerical or secretarial duties and exempts them from licensing if they don't visit customer premises. Additionally, employees of licensed firms who work remotely from out of state and have passed a private criminal background check are also exempt, provided they report any felony convictions or changes in address to their employer, and the state fire marshal can still verify their criminal history. The bill also clarifies that principals, officers, and designated qualifiers of firms seeking a property protection license must undergo criminal background checks and cannot have certain felony convictions, though exceptions exist for dismissed convictions of non-violent crimes. Licensing fees are restructured, with new initial and renewal fees established for both firm and employee endorsements, and license validity periods are extended from one year to three years, with updated procedures and late fees for renewals, including a one-year limit for renewing an expired license before a new application is required. Learn More » HB1186: Provides Relative to the Uniform Construction Code and Inspector Licensing This bill establishes the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission (LUCCC) to oversee the adoption and enforcement of 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 license building inspectors, both public (employed by government entities) and private (contracted by government entities), and private inspector companies, setting standards for their qualifications and conduct. The bill also clarifies that certain existing professional and occupational boards are exempt from specific disciplinary limitations and makes provisions for the LUCCC to collect a small fee on building permits to fund its operations. Additionally, it amends existing laws to include the LUCCC in lists of agencies that can access criminal history records for licensing purposes and clarifies the confidentiality of certain financial and background investigation records submitted by applicants. The bill repeals an existing law related to construction codes and directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to update terminology to reflect the new commission. Learn More » MARYLAND HB 149: Fire Prevention - Assistant Fire Marshals, Residential Rental High-Rise Property Fire Safety Equipment, and Fire Alarm System Technicians [Enacted 5-12-2026] This bill modifies existing Maryland law to enhance fire safety by allowing counties and municipalities to designate assistant fire marshals with the State Fire Marshal's approval, or to request the State Fire Marshal make such designations, and requires the State Fire Marshal to establish regulations for the qualifications, training, and certification of these designees, as well as special assistant fire marshals involved in arson investigations or other suitable roles. It also mandates the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in certain residential rental high-rise buildings by October 1, 2026, particularly those undergoing substantial renovations, which are defined as permanent alterations intended to enhance a building's value and costing at least 40% of its assessed value, with additional fire protection and life safety features required for these renovated buildings. Furthermore, the bill establishes a licensing and regulatory program for fire alarm system technicians and companies, similar to the existing program for fire sprinkler contractors, requiring them to meet professional and technical standards and obtain liability insurance. Learn More » MICHIGAN HB 6021: Occupations: individual licensing and Registration; Licensure of Sprinkler Fitter; Provide for Under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act, and Make Other Amendments to the Act This bill amends the Skilled Trades Regulation Act to establish licensure for sprinkler fitters, which are individuals who install and maintain automatic fire suppression systems, often referred to as sprinkler systems. It introduces new definitions for terms like "sprinkler fitter journeyperson," "registered fire sprinkler program," and various aspects of fire suppression system installation and testing. The bill also outlines the requirements for obtaining a sprinkler fitter journeyperson license, including experience and completion of a registered program, and mandates continuing education for license renewal. Additionally, it revises existing provisions related to mechanical contractors, journey mechanical technicians, and apprentice mechanical technicians, adjusting experience requirements and license classifications. The bill also addresses penalties for violations, such as increased application fees for those previously found to have violated certain provisions, and clarifies existing exemptions and definitions within the act. Learn More » OKLAHOMA HB3369: Food Truck Fire Suppression; Mobile Food Establishments; Modifying Mandate for Automatic Fire Extinguishing System in Food Trucks; Removing Expiration Date; Effective Date This bill modifies existing regulations for food trucks, specifically concerning fire suppression systems and permits. It changes the mandate for automatic fire extinguishing systems, making them optional if the food truck is equipped with at least two portable fire extinguishers that meet NFPA 10 standards and if all employees receive documented annual fire safety training approved by the State Fire Marshal. A specific six-liter Class K-rated extinguisher is still required for cooking equipment involving solid fuels or oils and fats. The bill also alters the entity from which mobile food preparation vehicles must obtain permits for liquefied petroleum gas systems, now requiring them from the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, which will also establish inspection rules, while the State Fire Marshal will issue the operational permit decal. Importantly, the bill removes the expiration date for these fire suppression requirements, which was previously set for January 1, 2026, ensuring these regulations remain in effect indefinitely. The bill also clarifies that the State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction over fire and life safety code compliance for these vehicles and mandates annual inspections, with specific inspection schedules outlined. Finally, it specifies an effective date of November 1, 2026, for these changes. Learn More » The previous bill was HB2459: Fire Suppression; Mobile Food Establishments; Fire Extinguisher; Inspections; Fire Marshal; Effective Date About the bill: This bill amended existing law to establish comprehensive fire safety regulations for mobile food preparation vehicles operating in Oklahoma. The bill required all such vehicles to comply with the most current adopted fire codes and mandates the use of portable fire extinguishers, specifically a six-liter Class K-rated extinguisher for cooking equipment involving solid fuels, animal or vegetable oils, or combinations thereof. The State Fire Marshal was given jurisdiction to conduct annual inspections of mobile food preparation vehicles across the state, with more frequent inspections in counties with populations over 400,000. Upon passing inspection, vehicles receive an operational permit decal. The bill allowed the State Fire Marshal to revoke vehicle operations if they are deemed unsafe and prevents local jurisdictions from creating additional fire safety regulations, with the exception of counties over 400,000 in population. The legislation also maintained the authority of other state agencies like the Department of Health to regulate mobile food vehicles through their existing licensing and regulatory frameworks. The provisions of this bill were to expire on January 1, 2026, after which all mobile food preparation vehicles must comply with state-adopted fire codes, and the State Fire Marshal is authorized to create implementation rules that will have uniform application across Oklahoma. PENNSYLVANIA SB1260: Providing for licensure of electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, apprentice electricians and probationary electricians; establishing the State Board of Electrical Licensure; providing for powers and duties of the board; establishing fees, fines and penalties; and making an appropriation This bill, known as the Electrical Services Licensure Act, establishes the State Board of Electrical Licensure to regulate and license electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, apprentice electricians, and probationary electricians, defining "electrical services" broadly to include installation, repair, and maintenance of premises wiring systems as outlined in the National Electrical Code. The bill outlines the powers and duties of the board, including issuing licenses, administering tests, and setting fees, and specifies qualifications for each license type, such as age, experience, and passing an exam, while also providing for exceptions and grandfathering clauses for existing practitioners. It also details requirements for continuing education, professional liability insurance for contractors, and establishes penalties for violations, including fines and license suspension or revocation, and includes an appropriation of $250,000 to the Department of State for the board's operations. Learn More » RHODE ISLAND H7857 & S2647: Establishes the Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Licensing and Certification Act. Requires Entities Inspecting or Cleaning Commercial Exhaust Systems to be Licensed and Insured This bill establishes the "Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Licensing and Certification Act," requiring any individual or business entity that inspects or cleans commercial kitchen exhaust systems to be licensed and insured, with technicians also needing certification. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) will administer and regulate this program, which aims to prevent fires caused by grease buildup in these systems, as mandated by the Rhode Island fire safety code and NFPA 96 standards. To obtain a certificate, technicians must be over 18, have 30 hours of experience, complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and undergo a criminal background check. Businesses seeking a license must employ at least two certified technicians, possess appropriate cleaning equipment, and maintain general liability and worker's compensation insurance. The act also mandates the use of rangehood decals after service, requires prompt notification of critical conditions to authorities and clients, and outlines penalties for violations, including fines and potential misdemeanor charges for repeat offenders. This legislation will take effect on January 1, 2029. Learn More » TENNESSEE HB2413 & SB2509: An ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 13, Chapter 7 and Title 71, Chapter 3, Relative to Childcare Agencies [Signed/Enacted/Adopted 5-27-2026] This bill, known as the "Tennessee Child Care Red Tape Reduction Act," aims to streamline the process for licensing and operating child care agencies by reducing regulatory burdens. It mandates that local governments prioritize permit applications for child care agencies, processing them with the same urgency as affordable housing developments and assigning them for review within five business days, with a goal of issuing a final decision within ninety days, after which the permit is considered approved if a fire safety inspection is successfully completed. Crucially, it designates the state fire marshal as the sole authority for conducting fire safety inspections for child care agencies, preventing duplicative inspections by local fire departments, and requires the state to establish uniform fire safety standards that local jurisdictions cannot exceed unless there's a documented safety risk and state approval. The bill also allows child care agencies to operate as a permitted use in various commercial and industrial zones, and even in residential zones for home-based care, while permitting employer-operated child care as an accessory use, with local governments only allowed to impose reasonable conditions related to traffic, parking, hours, and safety that are not more restrictive than those for other similar commercial uses. 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.
CONNECTICUT
HB 05222: An Act Concerning Consumer Protection, Cannabis, Data Privacy, Fire Inspections, Criminal Mischief and Artificial Intelligence This bill enacts several changes across various sectors. It modifies regulations for licensed professionals such as accountants, engineers, and real estate agents, including adjustments to fees and continuing education requirements. Most importantly, it establishes a pilot program for risk-based residential fire inspections and creates a working group to advise on its implementation. The bill also updates definitions and regulations related to plumbing and piping work, and establishes new requirements for businesses performing skilled trade work, such as designating a contractor of record. Furthermore, it introduces regulations for donation bins, funeral service contracts, and apartment listing services. In the realm of food safety, it clarifies rules regarding adulterated or misbranded food and beverages. The bill also addresses consumer protection by updating laws concerning used motor vehicles, including express warranties and "as is" sales, and introduces new regulations for subscription-based generative artificial intelligence systems, requiring clear disclosure of terms and limitations. The bill also makes changes to cannabis regulations, including the definition of cannabis, requirements for cannabis establishments, and the composition of the State-Wide Cannabis, Hemp and Controlled Substances Enforcement Board. Additionally, it revises laws related to criminal mischief, specifically concerning damage to property and public services, and introduces new provisions for data brokers, including an accessible deletion mechanism program and requirements for online advertising of ticket resales. Finally, it includes provisions for the regulation of artificial intelligence models through independent verification organizations and addresses consumer pricing practices, particularly regarding surveillance pricing.
Learn More »
LOUISIANA
HB917: FIRE PROTECTION - Provides Relative to Life Safety and Property Protection Licensing This bill modifies Louisiana's laws concerning life safety and property protection licensing, introducing new definitions and exemptions while updating existing requirements and fees. It defines "administrative personnel" as individuals performing routine clerical or secretarial duties and exempts them from licensing if they don't visit customer premises. Additionally, employees of licensed firms who work remotely from out of state and have passed a private criminal background check are also exempt, provided they report any felony convictions or changes in address to their employer, and the state fire marshal can still verify their criminal history. The bill also clarifies that principals, officers, and designated qualifiers of firms seeking a property protection license must undergo criminal background checks and cannot have certain felony convictions, though exceptions exist for dismissed convictions of non-violent crimes. Licensing fees are restructured, with new initial and renewal fees established for both firm and employee endorsements, and license validity periods are extended from one year to three years, with updated procedures and late fees for renewals, including a one-year limit for renewing an expired license before a new application is required.
HB1186: Provides Relative to the Uniform Construction Code and Inspector Licensing This bill establishes the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission (LUCCC) to oversee the adoption and enforcement of 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 license building inspectors, both public (employed by government entities) and private (contracted by government entities), and private inspector companies, setting standards for their qualifications and conduct. The bill also clarifies that certain existing professional and occupational boards are exempt from specific disciplinary limitations and makes provisions for the LUCCC to collect a small fee on building permits to fund its operations. Additionally, it amends existing laws to include the LUCCC in lists of agencies that can access criminal history records for licensing purposes and clarifies the confidentiality of certain financial and background investigation records submitted by applicants. The bill repeals an existing law related to construction codes and directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to update terminology to reflect the new commission.
MARYLAND
HB 149: Fire Prevention - Assistant Fire Marshals, Residential Rental High-Rise Property Fire Safety Equipment, and Fire Alarm System Technicians [Enacted 5-12-2026] This bill modifies existing Maryland law to enhance fire safety by allowing counties and municipalities to designate assistant fire marshals with the State Fire Marshal's approval, or to request the State Fire Marshal make such designations, and requires the State Fire Marshal to establish regulations for the qualifications, training, and certification of these designees, as well as special assistant fire marshals involved in arson investigations or other suitable roles. It also mandates the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in certain residential rental high-rise buildings by October 1, 2026, particularly those undergoing substantial renovations, which are defined as permanent alterations intended to enhance a building's value and costing at least 40% of its assessed value, with additional fire protection and life safety features required for these renovated buildings. Furthermore, the bill establishes a licensing and regulatory program for fire alarm system technicians and companies, similar to the existing program for fire sprinkler contractors, requiring them to meet professional and technical standards and obtain liability insurance.
MICHIGAN
HB 6021: Occupations: individual licensing and Registration; Licensure of Sprinkler Fitter; Provide for Under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act, and Make Other Amendments to the Act This bill amends the Skilled Trades Regulation Act to establish licensure for sprinkler fitters, which are individuals who install and maintain automatic fire suppression systems, often referred to as sprinkler systems. It introduces new definitions for terms like "sprinkler fitter journeyperson," "registered fire sprinkler program," and various aspects of fire suppression system installation and testing. The bill also outlines the requirements for obtaining a sprinkler fitter journeyperson license, including experience and completion of a registered program, and mandates continuing education for license renewal. Additionally, it revises existing provisions related to mechanical contractors, journey mechanical technicians, and apprentice mechanical technicians, adjusting experience requirements and license classifications. The bill also addresses penalties for violations, such as increased application fees for those previously found to have violated certain provisions, and clarifies existing exemptions and definitions within the act.
OKLAHOMA
HB3369: Food Truck Fire Suppression; Mobile Food Establishments; Modifying Mandate for Automatic Fire Extinguishing System in Food Trucks; Removing Expiration Date; Effective Date This bill modifies existing regulations for food trucks, specifically concerning fire suppression systems and permits. It changes the mandate for automatic fire extinguishing systems, making them optional if the food truck is equipped with at least two portable fire extinguishers that meet NFPA 10 standards and if all employees receive documented annual fire safety training approved by the State Fire Marshal. A specific six-liter Class K-rated extinguisher is still required for cooking equipment involving solid fuels or oils and fats. The bill also alters the entity from which mobile food preparation vehicles must obtain permits for liquefied petroleum gas systems, now requiring them from the Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, which will also establish inspection rules, while the State Fire Marshal will issue the operational permit decal. Importantly, the bill removes the expiration date for these fire suppression requirements, which was previously set for January 1, 2026, ensuring these regulations remain in effect indefinitely. The bill also clarifies that the State Fire Marshal has jurisdiction over fire and life safety code compliance for these vehicles and mandates annual inspections, with specific inspection schedules outlined. Finally, it specifies an effective date of November 1, 2026, for these changes.
The previous bill was HB2459: Fire Suppression; Mobile Food Establishments; Fire Extinguisher; Inspections; Fire Marshal; Effective Date About the bill: This bill amended existing law to establish comprehensive fire safety regulations for mobile food preparation vehicles operating in Oklahoma. The bill required all such vehicles to comply with the most current adopted fire codes and mandates the use of portable fire extinguishers, specifically a six-liter Class K-rated extinguisher for cooking equipment involving solid fuels, animal or vegetable oils, or combinations thereof. The State Fire Marshal was given jurisdiction to conduct annual inspections of mobile food preparation vehicles across the state, with more frequent inspections in counties with populations over 400,000. Upon passing inspection, vehicles receive an operational permit decal. The bill allowed the State Fire Marshal to revoke vehicle operations if they are deemed unsafe and prevents local jurisdictions from creating additional fire safety regulations, with the exception of counties over 400,000 in population. The legislation also maintained the authority of other state agencies like the Department of Health to regulate mobile food vehicles through their existing licensing and regulatory frameworks. The provisions of this bill were to expire on January 1, 2026, after which all mobile food preparation vehicles must comply with state-adopted fire codes, and the State Fire Marshal is authorized to create implementation rules that will have uniform application across Oklahoma.
PENNSYLVANIA
SB1260: Providing for licensure of electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, apprentice electricians and probationary electricians; establishing the State Board of Electrical Licensure; providing for powers and duties of the board; establishing fees, fines and penalties; and making an appropriation This bill, known as the Electrical Services Licensure Act, establishes the State Board of Electrical Licensure to regulate and license electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, apprentice electricians, and probationary electricians, defining "electrical services" broadly to include installation, repair, and maintenance of premises wiring systems as outlined in the National Electrical Code. The bill outlines the powers and duties of the board, including issuing licenses, administering tests, and setting fees, and specifies qualifications for each license type, such as age, experience, and passing an exam, while also providing for exceptions and grandfathering clauses for existing practitioners. It also details requirements for continuing education, professional liability insurance for contractors, and establishes penalties for violations, including fines and license suspension or revocation, and includes an appropriation of $250,000 to the Department of State for the board's operations.
RHODE ISLAND
H7857 & S2647: Establishes the Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Licensing and Certification Act. Requires Entities Inspecting or Cleaning Commercial Exhaust Systems to be Licensed and Insured This bill establishes the "Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System Inspection and Cleaning Licensing and Certification Act," requiring any individual or business entity that inspects or cleans commercial kitchen exhaust systems to be licensed and insured, with technicians also needing certification. The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) will administer and regulate this program, which aims to prevent fires caused by grease buildup in these systems, as mandated by the Rhode Island fire safety code and NFPA 96 standards. To obtain a certificate, technicians must be over 18, have 30 hours of experience, complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and undergo a criminal background check. Businesses seeking a license must employ at least two certified technicians, possess appropriate cleaning equipment, and maintain general liability and worker's compensation insurance. The act also mandates the use of rangehood decals after service, requires prompt notification of critical conditions to authorities and clients, and outlines penalties for violations, including fines and potential misdemeanor charges for repeat offenders. This legislation will take effect on January 1, 2029.
TENNESSEE
HB2413 & SB2509: An ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 13, Chapter 7 and Title 71, Chapter 3, Relative to Childcare Agencies [Signed/Enacted/Adopted 5-27-2026] This bill, known as the "Tennessee Child Care Red Tape Reduction Act," aims to streamline the process for licensing and operating child care agencies by reducing regulatory burdens. It mandates that local governments prioritize permit applications for child care agencies, processing them with the same urgency as affordable housing developments and assigning them for review within five business days, with a goal of issuing a final decision within ninety days, after which the permit is considered approved if a fire safety inspection is successfully completed. Crucially, it designates the state fire marshal as the sole authority for conducting fire safety inspections for child care agencies, preventing duplicative inspections by local fire departments, and requires the state to establish uniform fire safety standards that local jurisdictions cannot exceed unless there's a documented safety risk and state approval. The bill also allows child care agencies to operate as a permitted use in various commercial and industrial zones, and even in residential zones for home-based care, while permitting employer-operated child care as an accessory use, with local governments only allowed to impose reasonable conditions related to traffic, parking, hours, and safety that are not more restrictive than those for other similar commercial uses.