Assembly Bill 956 proposes to exempt certain agricultural warehouses from the requirement to install automatic fire sprinkler systems. Specifically, the bill targets warehouses constructed after its effective date that are used to store liquid bulk fertilizers or pesticides, provided that these substances are kept in containers located within a secondary containment structure as mandated by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Additionally, the exemption applies to warehouses storing dry bulk fertilizers and pesticides. To qualify for this exemption, the owner must notify the local fire department that water should not be used to suppress any fire at the warehouse and must inform them of any changes to the chemicals stored.

The bill also clarifies that the exemption does not extend to offices or stores within or attached to the agricultural warehouses, and it stipulates that the exemption is void if the warehouse's use changes to include substances not specified in the bill. Furthermore, while the bill removes the requirement for automatic fire sprinkler systems in these specific cases, it does not prevent local authorities from enforcing other fire safety measures. This legislation aims to reduce regulatory burdens on agricultural operations while maintaining safety protocols for fire prevention.