The bill amends New Jersey law to enhance fire safety compliance in residential buildings with up to two households. It requires these structures to be equipped with smoke-sensitive alarm devices on each level and near sleeping areas, along with a warning label regarding secondary power sources if applicable. Additionally, it prohibits the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or inspection for buildings undergoing a change of occupancy unless they meet these alarm requirements. Property owners are also barred from selling or leasing these properties without a compliance certificate from the relevant enforcement agency.

To enforce these regulations, the bill introduces penalties for noncompliance, allowing fines of up to $500 for owners who do not adhere to the alarm device and inspection requirements. It establishes a "Fire Protection Equipment Advisory Committee" within the Division of Fire Safety to provide recommendations on fire safety regulations and outlines the responsibilities of local enforcing agencies. The bill also details the procedures for serving legal documents to property owners and operators, emphasizing the need for reasonable efforts to serve the owner or their agent by mail before using the Secretary of State for service. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval, which occurred on February 3, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-198.1, 52:27D-198.2, 52:27D-198.3, 52:27D-203, 52:27D-210, 52:27D-211
Advance Law: 52:27D-198.1, 52:27D-198.2, 52:27D-198.3, 52:27D-25, 52:27D-203, 52:27D-210, 52:27D-211
Pamphlet Law: 52:27D-198.1, 52:27D-198.2, 52:27D-198.3, 52:27D-25, 52:27D-203, 52:27D-210, 52:27D-211