SENATE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 477

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MARCH 7, 1996

      The Senate Community Affairs Committee reports without recommendation Senate Bill No. 477.

      This bill would require the installation of a carbon monoxide sensor device inside a dwelling unit in a structure used or intended for use for residential purposes upon a change of occupancy of the dwelling unit. A carbon monoxide sensor device shall be accepted as meeting the requirement of this section if the device has been tested and listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory and has been approved by the Division of Codes and Standards in the Department of Community Affairs after consultation with the Division of Fire Safety. Local code enforcement officials or the Department of Community Affairs, when acting as the local enforcing agency, would be responsible for certifying that the carbon monoxide sensor devices are installed upon the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, certificate of inspection or other documentary certification of compliance with laws and regulations relating to safety, healthfulness and upkeep of the premises. Failure to install the device when required could result in the owner of the premises being fined $100.

      The bill would direct the Commissioner of Community Affairs to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate this act.