Lynch vetoes second sprinkler-related bill

Gov. John Lynch yesterday (July 13, 2011) vetoed a second piece of legislation -- SB 91 -- that would prohibit communities from mandating sprinklers in homes.

"The decision of whether or not to require automatic sprinkler systems for new or renovated residential development has been, and should remain, a local one.The State should not preempt local decision-making," Lynch said in his veto statement.

He noted in his statement that "The State Fire Marshal and numerous local fire departments across the State believe that local officials should continue to have the ability to require automatic sprinkler systems as an option when evaluating new residential construction."

It is the second bill related to sprinklers that he vetoed in the space of about a month.

On June 15 he vetoed House-generated legislation -- HB 109. That veto was subsequently overridden by the Republican-dominated House and Senate.

The House leadership sees both bills as having a role in the affordability of a home.

“At a time when our housing market has collapsed and is still falling in many areas of the state, the last thing we need is a costly mandate that will make homes across New Hampshire less competitive. This bill protects home buyers from the cost of sprinkler system that is typically $6,000 or more per home," said House Speaker William O'Brien.

He added: "The Legislature overrode the last veto by the Governor on this issue, and we are sad to see that he chose to continue to make the same bad decision on this bill.”