Bill
HB 3652
Requires UL-listed fuel-gas detectors/alarms in buildings with active gas service/appliances to cut leaks, explosions and injuries; compliance by 2028.
Status & procedure
- Introduced: March 3, 2025 (Rep. Camille Y. Lilly). Passed the Illinois House (3rd Reading, 4/10/2025, 76–38). Arrived in the Senate 4/14/2025; assigned to Senate committees. Added as Alternate Chief Co‑Sponsor Sen. Mattie Hunter (10/28/2025). Multiple House co‑sponsors listed.
- Effective date in the engrossed/amended bill: January 1, 2026. Key compliance and transfer deadlines appear in the engrossed text (see “Timing” below).
- Office of the State Fire Marshal is charged with rulemaking and implementation.
Purpose / intent
- Require installation of approved fuel‑gas detectors and alarms in buildings that have active natural gas or liquefied petroleum/propane service and gas‑fueled appliances, to reduce risk of gas leaks, explosions, injury, and death.
Key definitions / device standards
- “Covered building”: residential, commercial, or institutional structures with one or more gas appliances and an active gas service.
- “Fuel gas alarm” / “fuel gas detector and alarm”: devices that detect natural gas, propane or LPG, provide audible/visual alarms, and are tested/listed by a nationally recognized lab. Devices must conform to UL Standard 1484 or 2075 and carry ETL or UL labeling. Devices may be battery‑operated, plug‑in, or hardwired.
Installation requirements
- At least one fuel‑gas alarm is required in every room that contains a gas appliance, installed per NFPA 715 and the manufacturer’s instructions.
- New buildings and major renovations must include hardwired or battery‑powered alarms. Single‑ and multi‑family dwellings must have unit‑level alarms.
- Battery/plug‑in alarms generally do not need to be interconnected or monitored unless required by local code.
- Battery alarms must have a minimum 6‑year lifespan and include an end‑of‑life warning.
- Hardwired systems must be installed by a licensed electrician; non‑electricians may install battery or plug‑in alarms.
Timing / transfers / compliance verification
- Effective date: January 1, 2026.
- Engrossed text sets a compliance deadline for all covered buildings of January 1, 2028.
- Transfer rule (engrossed): persons acquiring a covered building after January 1, 2027 must install compliant fuel‑gas alarms within 30 days of acquisition or occupancy if not already present; sale/lease closings require certification of compliance.
- Compliance is to be verified via certificates of occupancy for new buildings, inspections for existing buildings, rental license renewals, and fire safety inspections.
Assistance, grants, and advisory body
- Establishes the State Fuel Gas Safety Assistance Fund (special fund in the State treasury) to accept monies and provide free/subsidized alarms to low‑income households. The State Fire Marshal will create the assistance program by rule.
- Office of the State Fire Marshal may (subject to appropriation) award grants to local governments for enhanced enforcement and education.
- Creates a Gas Detector Alliance (advisory body) appointed by the State Fire Marshal, composed of representatives from fire service organizations, municipal associations, fire inspectors, and gas utilities, to advise on effectiveness and needed changes.
Enforcement, penalties, and liability
- Engrossed text: violations are a petty offense enforceable by the State Fire Marshal, Attorney General, or county State’s Attorney. Earlier/other versions reference civil penalties set by local ordinance and equitable enforcement by AG, State’s Attorneys, or municipal attorneys.
- Liability limitations: owner compliance, inspections, and prompt remediation after written notice limit owner civil exposure in many instances. The act disallows knowingly interfering with required detectors; limited, temporary disconnection is allowed during construction/rehabilitation under specified conditions.
Rulemaking and home rule
- The State Fire Marshal must adopt implementing rules.
- Home‑rule units may not adopt regulations that are less restrictive than the Act (limits on concurrent home‑rule powers).
Potential impacts / who is affected
- Affects owners and operators of residential buildings (single‑family, multi‑family, rental units), hotels, dormitories, children’s homes, and other institutional/commercial buildings with gas appliances.
- Tenants have duties to maintain alarms in working order during occupancy.
- Low‑income households may receive assistance via the new fund and program.
- Local governments, utilities, electricians, alarm manufacturers, and fire officials are stakeholders in implementation, enforcement, and education.
Note on versions
- Several text variations appear in the bill file (original introduced text, committee amendment, and engrossed/amended versions). The summary reflects core, recurring provisions; specific dates and enforcement language differ among versions—readers should consult the engrossed bill text and any subsequent amendments for final, enacted language.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
