Committee reviews overhaul of fire code, incident reporting and inspector transfers; OPLC and fire marshal seek clear data‑sharing language

Senate Bill 494 would adopt the 2024 edition of the National Fire Protection Association codes, update fire incident reporting to electronic NEARIS standards, clarify responsibilities for carbon‑monoxide related deaths and move mechanical and electrical inspection programs from the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) to the Department of Safety.

State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey described the code updates and new carbon‑monoxide alarm provisions; he said the most important immediate change is moving reporting into a modern, national electronic system (NEARIS). The bill would also allow Department of Safety inspectors to conduct third‑party inspections when local departments cannot respond within a set timeframe and set a fee schedule aligned with state building permit rules.

OPLC general counsel Nicholas Fry expressed no opposition to the base bill but urged more precise language in the amendment related to what licensing and disciplinary records may be shared with the fire marshal's office, citing RSA provisions that exempt some investigative files from public disclosure. Electrical contractors and inspectors stressed that routine access to business contact information and limited licensing history helps inspectors do their jobs; they asked the committee to narrow the statute to avoid exposing confidential investigative files.

Senator Pearl asked OPLC to draft recommended language clarifying what electronic licensing data can be shared and how exemptions under RSA 91‑A should apply; committee members agreed to wait for that language before finalizing amendments.