Subcommittee approves update requiring current UL 217 smoke-detectors in new homes

A presenter for HB 1201 told the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs subcommittee the measure would update Georgia’s smoke-detector requirement for new homes to the ninth edition of the UL 217 standard or a later edition. "This bill simply updates the requirement that smoke detectors installed in new homes must meet the ninth edition of the UL 217 standard or later," the sponsor said, noting the standard reflects technical updates to detect both fast flaming and slow smoldering fires.

The sponsor emphasized changing fire behavior in modern homes, saying average escape times have dropped dramatically and citing an established safety statistic: "02/20 in 2024, 83 Georgians lost their lives to home fires," and the sponsor noted two children had recently died in home fires. Committee members asked whether carbon monoxide detection was included; the sponsor said it was not, noting the bill covers smoke detection only.

When asked who would enforce the requirement and what penalties might apply, the sponsor said he did not know specifics. Committee counsel suggested enforcement would occur at the local level by building inspectors or code enforcement officers under Title 25, chapter 2. After discussion the subcommittee voted to pass the bill.