House Passes Bill Promoting Professional Installation Of Fire Alarm Technologies At Universities

  • Feb 15, 2008

Recently the U.S. House of Representatives passed a Higher Education Act, by a vote of 354-58, that included language from H.R. 1409, the College Life Safety and Fire Prevention Act introduced by Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y.

The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) hailed this vote as a major victory for public safety and for the industry.

NBFAA began working with Rep. Fossella in 2006 to draft language that would establish a demonstration incentive program within the U.S. Department of Education to promote the professional installation of fire alarm detection systems, or other fire prevention technologies in qualified student housing, dormitories, and other university buildings. As a result, H.R. 4460 was introduced last year, and provisions of H.R. 4460 were contained in H.R. 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act, which passed the House of Representatives on March 30, 2006 but died in the Senate before any action could be taken. H.R. 1409 is similar to H.R. 4460.

“NBFAA members are committed to this fight to save lives from fire-related deaths, and we will continue to work with our elected officials to support legislation that provides for greater protection of life and property,” said NBFAA President George Gunning. “For two years, we’ve been fighting the battle to educate lawmakers and interested parties about the value of fire detection plus suppression. The passage of the House bill with this vital language included is a major victory in our efforts to have an impact on the safety of students and others who live and work in colleges and universities.”

NBFAA Government Relations Director John Chwat added, “NBFAA will continue to work diligently to ensure that this language stays in the Higher Education Act as it moves through the legislative process. We urge everyone who is concerned with public safety to support our efforts.”

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