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House passes Smoke Detector Act after heated debate over scope and enforcement
Summary
The Utah House passed House Bill 140, the Smoke Detector Act, after prolonged debate over whether the law should apply to existing single-family homes, tents and motor homes and how enforcement would work. The bill passed the House 39–1 and will be forwarded to the Senate.
The Utah House voted to pass House Bill 140, the Smoke Detector Act, after extensive floor debate over amendments limiting the law’s reach and specifying enforcement.
Representative Hall, sponsor of the bill, told the chamber the measure aims to reduce deaths in existing dwellings, particularly among children and the elderly, and noted local programs that increased compliance elsewhere. “Smoke detectors save lives,” Hall said, citing data from other jurisdictions and insurance discounts that may offset installation costs.
Opponents and amendment proponents argued the bill would permit government intrusion into private homes. Representative Short urged…
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