The bill amends New Jersey's fire safety regulations for residential structures, specifically targeting buildings with up to two households. It mandates the installation of smoke-sensitive alarm devices on each level and near sleeping areas, along with a warning label regarding secondary power sources if applicable. Furthermore, it prohibits the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or inspection for any building undergoing a change of occupancy unless it complies with these alarm requirements. Property owners are also barred from selling or leasing non-compliant properties without the necessary certificates from the enforcement agency.

In addition to these requirements, the bill introduces penalties for noncompliance, allowing fines of up to $500 for owners who allow occupancy of non-compliant premises. It establishes a "Fire Protection Equipment Advisory Committee" to provide guidance on fire safety training and standards. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of local enforcement agencies regarding inspections and certificates, clarifies the process for handling violations, and defines the terms "owner" and "operator." New legal language emphasizes the need for reasonable efforts to serve legal documents to property owners or their agents by mail before resorting to serving the Secretary of State, and it specifies acceptable methods for serving documents. 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