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MarylandHB 01492026 Regular SessionHouse

Fire Prevention - Assistant Fire Marshals, Residential Rental High-Rise Property Fire Safety Equipment, and Fire Alarm System Technicians

Sponsored By: Lorig Charkoudian (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public SafetyApartmentsBuilding Maintenance and RepairCertificationsCodes -see also- Annotated Code of Md; Building CodesConstructionContractors -see also- Construct; Electricians; etc.Equipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Evaluations and ReviewsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFire ProtectionInspections -see also- Motor Vehicle InspectionInvestigations and Inquiries -see also- Crim Bckgrnd InvestJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsPublic Officials -see also- Atty Gen; Compt; Coun Admin; etcResidential Property -see also- Apartments; CondominiumsRules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetyStandards and Best Practices

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Stronger fire rules for rental high-rises

Starting July 31, 2025, residential rental high-rises must install smoke detectors in every interior public corridor using NFPA placement rules, and counties cannot require other system upgrades just to issue that permit. Starting October 1, 2026, if permitted renovation work costs at least 40% of the building's SDAT-assessed value, the building must add automatic sprinklers. Counties may count improvements over a four-year window from the first permit when judging value-enhancing work. Substantially renovated buildings must also have 2-hour enclosed stairwells with 90-minute self-closing doors, rated corridor doors and walls, smoke alarms in every sleeping area, at least two smoke compartments per floor, and replace weak fire pumps as needed. A high-rise means any occupiable floor more than 75 feet above the lowest fire department vehicle access; open-air parking and farm-only buildings are excluded.

Stronger smoke alarm standards statewide

Beginning October 1, 2026, smoke alarms must meet NFPA 72 and be listed to UL 217. Alarms must sense visible or invisible smoke and sound a warning loud enough to alert people.

Licenses for fire alarm technicians and companies

Beginning October 1, 2026, the State creates a licensing program for fire alarm system technicians and companies. Rules define who needs a license, set technical standards, and require liability insurance. Fees must cover, but not exceed, the State's direct and indirect licensing costs. The program also sets how licenses can be denied, suspended, or revoked.

State fire marshal roles and training

Beginning October 1, 2026, counties and cities can name assistant State Fire Marshals only with the State Fire Marshal's approval or by requesting the State Fire Marshal to designate. If no assistant is named, the State Fire Marshal does the work for that area. The State Fire Marshal sets minimum training and certification, may give an NFPA-based exam, and sets application, renewal, and probation rules. Special assistants can include law enforcement arson investigators or full-time fire department staff who do inspections or investigations; they serve at the State Fire Marshal's pleasure. Assistants and special assistants do not get State pay, and the Commission may remove them for just cause after a hearing and on the State Fire Marshal's recommendation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lorig Charkoudian

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 295 • No: 13

House vote • 4/10/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 126 • No: 6 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 7 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 422

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/10/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (126-6)

    4/10/2026House

  4. House Concurs Senate Amendments

    4/10/2026House

  5. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Favorable with Amendments {113928/1 Adopted

    4/8/2026Senate

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    4/8/2026Senate

  9. Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/19/2026Senate

  10. Third Reading Passed (127-7)

    3/18/2026House

  11. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/17/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments {173928/1 Adopted

    3/17/2026House

  13. Favorable with Amendments Report by Economic Matters

    3/16/2026House

  14. Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026House

  15. Reassigned to Economic Matters

    1/23/2026House

  16. First Reading Environment and Transportation

    1/14/2026House

  17. Pre-filed

    10/31/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/10/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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