Sprinkler issue goes to study committee

Lawmakers agreed last week to send the proposal requiring sprinkler systems in new homes to a study committee.

There was no agreement between the House and Senate on the elements contained in HB 1486.

Here's what Tom Fahey, State House reporter for the Union Leader, had to say about the issue in his Sunday "State House Dome" column:

Lawmakers gave half a loaf to Fire Marshal Bill Degnan in HB 1486. He lost efforts to require fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes, but fought off a move to roll back existing local requirements.

A committee will study whether to require sprinklers in new homes, and planning boards are free to require them in special instances where developments are far from fire service.