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SD 964

An Act relative to the requirement of explosive gas sensor devices

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Keenan

Requires explosive gas sensors in residential units with maintenance by landlords; inspections on sale/transfer; potential stricter rules for new construction.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 964

Summary: An Act relative to the requirement of explosive gas sensor devices (SD 964)

Overview

This bill proposes a new provision within Chapter 148 of the Massachusetts General Laws to require explosive gas sensor devices in residential dwellings and structures, including those owned or operated by the Commonwealth. It creates a framework for the installation, maintenance, inspection, and enforcement of these sensors, with responsibilities assigned to landlords, building officials, fire departments, and the Department of Public Health. The intent is to enhance safety by detecting explosive levels of methane and propane in residential settings.

Key Provisions (new Section 26F3/4 in Chapter 148)

  • (a) Installation and maintenance requirements

    • Every dwelling, building, or structure used for residential purposes that contains equipment burning explosive gas must have a working, approved explosive gas sensor device.
    • Landlords or superintendents must install either:
    • approved monitored battery-powered alarms, or
    • approved electrical wiring alarms (as defined by the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations),
    • These alarms must be operational at the start of each rental period and must be maintained and, if needed, have batteries replaced annually to ensure continued operability.

  • (b) Regulatory standards

    • The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations will promulgate regulations on the type, installation, location, maintenance, and inspection of the devices.

  • (c) Post-sale/transfer inspection

    • Upon sale or transfer of a dwelling, building, or structure, the head of the local fire department must inspect for compliance with these requirements.

  • (d) Application to new construction and substantial renovations

    • The state building code may impose stricter sensor requirements for new construction or substantial renovations treated as new construction.
    • Upon sale/transfer, the head of the fire department must inspect for compliance with the applicable building code in effect at the date of the relevant building permit.

  • (e) Enforcement

    • The head of the fire department is responsible for enforcing the section.

  • (f) Public Health integration

    • The Department of Public Health must promulgate rules to implement subsection (a) within the state sanitary code (as established under section 127A of chapter 111).

  • (g) Definition

    • “Explosive gas sensor device” means an alarm device complying with applicable American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for residential devices detecting explosive quantities of methane and propane, unless superseded by board rules.

Regulatory and Oversight Framework

  • Board of Fire Prevention Regulations: to issue necessary regulations on device type, installation, placement, maintenance, and inspection.
  • Department of Public Health: to align subsection (a) with the state sanitary code.
  • Fire Department: to enforce compliance through inspections (especially at sale/transfer).
  • State Building Code: may impose stricter requirements for new construction or major renovations.

Affected Parties

  • Residential occupants and tenants in dwellings, including Commonwealth-owned buildings.
  • Property owners, landlords, and superintendents responsible for rental properties.
  • Local fire departments (enforcement and inspection authority).
  • Building code officials and the Department of Public Health (regulatory follow-through).

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Status: House concurred (as of 2/27/2025).
  • Original introduction: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: Public Safety and Homeland Security (Senate action).
  • Implementation would depend on promulgation of regulations by the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations and related rulemakings by the Department of Public Health.

Potential Impact

  • Enhanced safety through standardized explosive gas detection in residential settings.
  • Additional regulatory and compliance duties for landlords, including annual battery maintenance.
  • Increased inspection requirements at property transfer and for certain new constructions or substantial renovations.
  • Some cost implications for installation, maintenance, and potential retrofits of existing properties.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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