The bill amends New Jersey's fire safety statutes to improve licensure and equipment requirements, as well as to update provisions regarding liability, fees, and penalties. A significant change is the requirement for residential structures with two households to install smoke-sensitive alarm devices according to regulations set by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, moving away from the previous National Fire Protection Association standard. The bill also eliminates the requirement for portable fire extinguishers in certain residential structures and revises enforcement mechanisms for compliance with fire safety regulations. Additionally, it introduces new fees for inspection and certification processes, along with increased penalties for violations, including fines of up to $500 for non-compliance.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the procedures for serving notices and orders related to fire safety regulations, ensuring that both owners and operators of properties are properly notified through various delivery methods. It clarifies the definitions of "owner" and "operator" and establishes conditions for fire inspectors, including the necessity of completing educational programs. New owners and operators will be held liable for any unpaid fees or penalties associated with the property they acquire, and the Department of Community Affairs is responsible for issuing payment requests within a five-year period. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline fire safety compliance and clarify the responsibilities of property owners and operators.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-198.1, 52:27D-198.2, 52:27D-198.3, 52:27D-203, 52:27D-210, 52:27D-211