The "Justin Christian El-Abiad, Robert E. Dwight, Jr., Raquan Ellis, Zahir Atkins, and Sebastien Manzalaoui Act" amends the existing "Robert E. Dwight, Jr., Raquan Ellis and Zahir Atkins Memorial Child-Protection Window Guard Law" to enhance safety measures regarding window guards in residential rental units. The bill expands the definition of "window guard" to include safety features for all individuals, not just children under ten, and mandates installation in units where children aged 13 or under or persons with disabilities reside. It removes the previous requirement for tenants to request window guards, instead mandating their installation under specified circumstances. Additionally, the bill introduces compliance measures, including regular inspections every two years and penalties for non-compliance, which could include criminal charges for landlords if a child or person dies due to failure to comply.

The legislation also empowers municipalities to adopt stricter standards for window guard installation and provides a model ordinance for residential rental inspections. It establishes a certification process for contractors involved in window installations and creates a list of compliant window guard providers. The bill clarifies that violations in common interest communities will be addressed to the unit owner or the owners' association, and it allows tenants to request relocation if their unit is found to be in violation. The act takes effect immediately and applies retroactively to existing leases, aiming to significantly improve safety for vulnerable populations in residential settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55:13A-7.12, 55:13A-7.13, 55:13A-7.14, 55:13A-7.15, 55:13A-19