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Legislative and Regulatory Issues
- RI 1&2 Family Code Adopted Without Sprinklers
Following a hearing on March 4, 2010, the Rhode Island Building Code Standards Committee voted to remove the sprinkler requirement from the 1&2 family code scheduled to become effective in July of this year.
RIBA was the primary opponent of the sprinkler provision and together with the Realtors, testified as to its effect on housing costs and market value.
RIBA’s position is that the increased use of smoke alarm systems in existing housing would have a much greater effect on life safety than including sprinklers in the few new homes built each year. RIBA’s position was summarized:
“An interconnected smoke alarm system can be installed in houses and apartments of any age, is available to people at all income levels, and is shown to be an effective and affordable, life saving alternative to expensive sprinkler systems that would be available only to those few who buy new houses."
The Code Committee will create a sub committee to study the issue and report back in one year. Members should watch their mail and The Rhode Island Builder for more information of other code changes that will be included in the 2010 adoption.
- RI Rehabilitation Code (59 pages)
Current Legislative Status Report
Current 2010 Legislative Status Update
2009 Year End Legislative Report
This report lists all bills of interest to the association for the current Legislative Session and includes a bill number, committee, sponsor, summary and RIBA's position. This report will be periodically updated throughout the Session to show current status as these bills move through, or are eliminated from, the process.
Bills preceded by an asterisk (*) represent priority issues and "Apt" designates bills of interest to multifamily owners and managers.
Questions and comments may be directed to Roger Warren at RIBA and members are encouraged to communicate their views to local representatives and senators.