A bill that would exempt Missouri homeowners from international building codes that require fire sprinkler systems in new construction has passed the House.
Sponsor John Diehl (R-Town and Country) tells colleagues that HCS HB 46 would remove a portion of the building codes that often are adopted by cities without changes.
“This bill’s really simple. It says that the homeowners and the purchasers of property are the ones in the best position to make a choice as to whether or not they want to install fire sprinkler systems in their home,” Diehl tells colleagues during House floor debate.
Some House members object, stating that the legislature is interfering with local control. They argue that the decision about sprinklers should be left to city zoning boards.
The bill passes on a 149-to-9 vote and moves to the Senate.
