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SB 705

AN ACT REQUIRING SMOKE DETECTORS IN ALL HOMES IN WHICH A PERSON IS PROVIDING HEALTH CARE OR HOSPICE CARE THROUGH A HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY, HOSPICE AGENCY OR HOME HEALTH AIDE AGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Martha Marx

Requires smoke detectors in homes where licensed health care or hospice agencies provide patient care to protect vulnerable populations from fire hazards.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
#homehealthcare #hospiceservices #smokedetectors
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 705

Legislative bill overview

SB 705 mandates that all residential properties where home health care, hospice care, or home health aide services are provided must be equipped with functioning smoke detectors. The bill establishes a safety requirement specifically for homes where vulnerable patients receive medical care from licensed agencies.

Why is this important

Home health care patients—often elderly, disabled, or terminally ill—have limited mobility and increased vulnerability to fire hazards, making smoke detector presence potentially life-saving. This legislation addresses a safety gap by ensuring early warning systems exist in environments where professional caregiving occurs, which may have less stringent fire safety codes than medical facilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement mechanism unclear: The bill doesn't specify who inspects compliance, how violations are penalized, or who bears installation costs if detectors are absent
  • Property owner responsibility conflicts: It's ambiguous whether homeowners, care agencies, or both share responsibility for installation and maintenance
  • Scope limitations: The requirement applies only when agencies are present, potentially creating gaps in coverage for informal or family caregiving arrangements

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

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