Summary as Introduced
Creates the Fuel Gas Detector and Alarm Act. Requires the installation of a fuel gas detector and alarm in certain buildings. Sets forth fuel gas detector and alarm standards abd requirements for residential rental units. Details fuel gas detector and alarm requirements in the event of a sale or exchange of a building. Provides for a civil penalty, set by local ordinance. Limits liability. Requires noninterference with fuel gas detectors and alarms. Effective January 1, 2026.
Staff Analysis
Overview of Amendment 1 to HB 3652
This amendment replaces the original bill in its entirety with a new proposal titled the Fuel Gas Alarm Act, which mandates the installation of fuel gas detectors in a wide range of building types.
Key Provisions of the Amended Bill
Scope and Definitions
• Applies to residential, commercial, and institutional structures with gas-fueled appliances and active natural gas or LP gas connections.
• Includes single- and multi-family dwellings, apartments, townhomes, condos, etc.
• Applies to existing and new buildings.
Installation Requirements
• Fuel gas alarms must be installed in every room containing a gas appliance.
• Must comply with NFPA 715 standards and UL standards (1484 or 2075).
• New buildings and major renovations must include hardwired or battery-powered alarms.
• Battery-powered alarms are allowed in existing structures where hardwiring isn’t feasible and must last at least 6 years.
Compliance Deadlines
• All covered buildings must comply by January 1, 2028.
• Compliance will be enforced during:
• Certificate of occupancy issuance (new buildings)
• Rental license renewals
• Fire safety inspections
Real Estate Transfers
• As of January 1, 2027, fuel gas alarms must be installed within 30 days of a property transfer (sale or exchange).
• Buyers must sign a compliance certification at the time of sale or lease.
Support for Low-Income Households
• Establishes a Fuel Gas Safety Assistance Fund to provide free or subsidized alarms to low-income households, administered by the State Fire Marshal.
Enforcement
• Violations are petty offenses.
• Enforcement can be carried out by the State Fire Marshal, Attorney General, or county State’s Attorneys.
Local Government Grants
• The State Fire Marshal may award grants to units of local government (e.g., counties) to support education and enforcement programs related to fuel gas alarm compliance.
Gas Detector Alliance
• Creates a Gas Detector Alliance made up of representatives from fire associations, municipalities, and gas utilities.
• Tasked with monitoring the law’s effectiveness and suggesting improvements.
Home Rule Preemption
• Home rule units (including counties and cities) may not enact less restrictive regulations than those in this Act.
Impact on County-Owned Buildings
If a county owns or manages buildings that meet the definition of a “covered building” (e.g., group homes, residential care facilities, shelters, or public housing with gas appliances), this amendment would:
Require Installation: Counties must install compliant fuel gas alarms in each room with a gas appliance by January 1, 2028.
Apply to New Construction and Renovations: Any newly built or renovated county buildings must include hardwired or battery-powered alarms as specified.
Trigger Compliance During Inspections: County buildings subject to rental license renewals or fire inspections must demonstrate compliance.
Allow for Grant Funding: Counties may be eligible for state grants to help fund compliance efforts and public education programs under Section 35.
Limit Local Authority: Counties may not enact weaker requirements regarding gas alarms—only equal or stronger protections are permitted.