The bill amends New Jersey fire safety laws to enhance compliance for residential structures housing up to two households. It requires these buildings 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. Furthermore, it prohibits the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or inspection for buildings undergoing a change of occupancy unless they meet these alarm device requirements. Owners are also barred from selling or leasing such properties without a compliance certificate from the relevant enforcement agency.

In addition to these requirements, the bill introduces penalties for noncompliance, allowing fines of up to $500 for owners who do not adhere to the alarm device and inspection mandates. 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, including fee collection for inspections and compliance certificates. The bill also details the procedures for serving legal documents to property owners and operators, defines key terms such as "operator" and "owner," and 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