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Bill

S 4181

Relates to hazardous toys and other articles intended for use by children

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

The bill would require expanded fire safety equipment (smoke alarms, portable extinguishers, and fire escape mechanisms) in most residential buildings and tie occupancy approvals t

REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION
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Bill Summary · S 4181

Summary of Bill S 4181 (Relates to hazardous toys and other articles intended for use by children)

Note: The bill text indicates a primary focus on residential fire safety measures, not on hazardous toys. The summary below reflects the introduced provisions as written, which amend the state fire safety statutes.

Overview

  • Bill Number: S 4181
  • Title: Relates to hazardous toys and other articles intended for use by children (introduced text appears to address fire safety in residential structures)
  • Primary purpose: Enhance fire safety in residential buildings by expanding required safety equipment and establishing inspection/certification procedures tied to occupancy changes.
  • Status: Referred to Consumer Protection (Senate). Introduced March 3, 2025; referred February 3, 2025 to Consumer Protection (two entries shown).
  • Sponsor: Kevin S. Parker (primary)
  • Related companion: A 5184

What the bill would do (core changes)

  1. Expand fire safety requirements in residential structures (P.L.1991, c.92)

    • Replace/augment current requirements with additional safety devices beyond smoke alarms and extinguishers.

  2. Fire safety components defined and mandated

    • Smoke alarms:
      • A smoke-sensitive alarm must be on each level and outside each separate sleeping area, near bedrooms, mounted on or near the ceiling, consistent with NFPA Standard No. 74-1984.
      • Battery-operated smoke alarms are accepted if they meet the standard and are tested/listed by a recognized product certification agency.
    • Portable fire extinguisher:
      • All structures (except seasonal rental units) must have at least one portable fire extinguisher meeting regulatory rules.
      • Extinguisher must be ABC type, not larger than 10 pounds, and mounted within 10 feet of the kitchen unless an enforcing agency permits otherwise.
      • “Seasonal rental unit” is defined (rented ≤125 consecutive days; excludes certain migrant/temporary workers situations).
    • Fire escape mechanism:
      • Each structure with living space above the ground floor must have a fire escape mechanism on every level with living space.
      • A fire escape mechanism includes devices for safe exit from a window when ground-floor exits are blocked (e.g., anchor plate, hook, rope system).
      • The Commissioner of Community Affairs would promulgate rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement this requirement.

  3. Inspection and certification tied to occupancy (P.L.1991, c.92)

    • For changes of occupancy requiring a certificate of occupancy/inspection, municipalities must verify compliance with alarm devices, portable extinguishers, and fire escape mechanisms before issuing the certificate.
    • If a building changes occupancy and does not fall under the inspection trigger, owners must obtain a certificate evidencing compliance with the fire safety requirements before residential occupancy (through the relevant enforcing agency under the Uniform Fire Safety Act). Fees to cover inspection and certificate issuance would be set by local governing bodies or the Bureau of Fire Safety, as applicable.

Enforcement and penalties

  • Violations by an owner regarding compliance with section 1 (alarm devices, extinguishers, and fire escape mechanisms) can result in fines:
    • Alarm device violation: up to $500
    • Portable fire extinguisher violation: up to $100
    • Fire escape mechanism violation: up to $1,000
  • Enforcement mechanisms align with existing penalty procedures (Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999); enforcement by local authorities or the Bureau of Fire Safety as applicable.

Effective date

  • The act states it shall take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Residential property owners, landlords, and property managers with buildings containing living units, especially those with space above ground floor.
  • Municipalities and fire safety/enforcement agencies responsible for occupancy inspections and compliance determinations.
  • Developers and sellers engaging in occupancy changes or new occupancy-related inspections.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Introduced in the Senate on March 3, 2025.
  • Referred to Senate Consumer Protection; initially noted as 2/3/2025 referrals.

Key takeaways

  • The bill would require additional fire safety equipment in most residential structures beyond current smoke alarms and extinguishers.
  • It creates a specific requirement for a fire escape mechanism on each level with living space above the ground floor.
  • It links occupancy certificates and residential occupancy approvals to demonstrated compliance with these fire safety provisions.
  • Penalties are prescribed for noncompliance, with clear dollar amounts.
  • The Commissioner of Community Affairs would issue rules to implement these provisions, under the Administrative Procedure Act.

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

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