SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2588

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: AUGUST 25, 1997

      The Senate State Government Committee reports without recommendation Assembly Bill No. 2588.

      This bill permits vegetation used in holiday displays to be exhibited in commercial buildings and places of religious worship from Thanksgiving Day through New Year's Day. Current regulations adopted pursuant to the "Uniform Fire Safety Act," P.L.1983, c.383 (C.52:27D-195 et seq.) prohibit such displays in places of assembly unless the material is noncombustible or flame-resistant.

      At present, flammable materials, such as cotton batting, straw, dry vines, leaves, trees, artificial flowers or shrubbery and plastic foam material, are prohibited for decorative purposes in such quantities as to constitute a fire hazard, unless the materials are flame proofed in an approved manner.

      The Senate State Government Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No.2588.