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S 4642

Exempts Amityville school district from regulations regarding the use of indigenous mascots

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alexis Weik

Allows municipalities to permit a single exit stairway for certain six-story Group R-2 residential buildings, with first-floor nonresidential use and separate entrances.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4642

Summary of Senate Bill S 4642 (Introduced Version)

Note on title vs. content: The bill’s stated title references exemptions for an Amityville school district regarding indigenous mascots. However, the text provided for the introduced version addresses stairwell requirements for certain new residential buildings and related regulatory guidance. The summary below is based on the introduced version content about stairwell access and regulatory guidance.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill would permit municipalities to authorize a single exit stairway to serve residential buildings that are less than six stories tall, specifically for Group R-2 occupancy. This would modify the standard requirements under the State Uniform Construction Code (and related laws) when a municipality adopts an ordinance or resolution to permit such an arrangement.
  • The measure aims to provide flexibility in high-rise residential design by allowing a single exit stairway for up to six stories, with limited conditions on the first floor and nonhazardous nonresidential occupancies.

2) Key Provisions (What the bill would do)

  • Definitions:
    • “Group R-2 occupancy” means a residential occupancy with sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where occupants are primarily permanent.
  • Local Authority (Section 1b):
    • Governing bodies of municipalities may adopt an ordinance or resolution to allow a single exit stairway to serve no more than six stories of a Group R-2 occupancy in the same building.
    • The first floor may be used for a nonresidential purpose, provided that:
    • The nonresidential use is classified by the Commissioner of Community Affairs as nonhazardous occupancy.
    • Entrances to the first-floor nonresidential area are separate from those serving residential floors.
  • Regulatory Guidance (Section 1c):
    • The Commissioner of Community Affairs would adopt a regulatory guidance publication, including a model ordinance, to assist municipalities in acting under the new authority.
    • The guidance would be published on the Department of Community Affairs’ website.
  • Effective Date (Section 2):
    • The act would take effect on the first day of the fourth month after enactment.
    • The Commissioner would be permitted to take anticipatory action to implement provisions.

3) Applicability and Timeline

  • Applies to new applications for development of residential structures submitted on or after the bill’s effective date.
  • Anticipatory action by the Commissioner is allowed to effectuate the provisions.
  • The bill would not retroactively affect existing buildings or applications submitted before enactment.

4) Legislative and Procedural Details

  • Sponsor: Senator Alexis Weik (primary).
  • Legislative actions shown:
    • Introduced in the Senate on June 23, 2025, and referred to the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.
    • Also indicates referrals to Education in February 2025 (potential clerical/companion actions).
  • Related bills:
    • A companion bill: A 4972
    • Prior-session related: S 9243

5) Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Local flexibility: Puts decision-making authority in municipalities to determine stairway requirements for certain residential buildings, potentially enabling smaller or mid-rise projects.
  • Safety and compliance: Introducing a single exit stairway for up to six stories could raise life-safety considerations; the bill’s conditions (separate nonresidential entrances, nonhazardous use on the first floor) are intended to mitigate risk, but review by building officials and fire safety authorities would be crucial.
  • Regulatory framework: Requires the state to provide a model ordinance and guidance, helping uniform implementation across municipalities.

6) Summary of What It Would Change

  • Creates a new municipal option to permit a single exit stairway for certain Group R-2 residential projects up to six stories.
  • Sets conditions for first-floor nonresidential use and separate entrances.
  • Requires the state to issue guidance and a model ordinance to facilitate local adoption.
  • Establishes a future effective date with the possibility of early action by the Commissioner.

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

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