fire protection systems, inspections

HB 2368 requires inspections of smoke and fire dampers in fire protection systems to follow nationally recognized standards, and allows the state forester and fire marshal to provide certified inspectors to local authorities upon request. The bill prohibits counties from requiring fire sprinklers in single-family homes or duplexes (except for codes adopted before 2009) and blocks counties from using fire apparatus access road requirements to mandate sprinkler installations. These provisions apply to unincorporated county areas and to cities/towns adopting building or fire codes. The bill standardizes inspection practices while protecting homeowners' choices about fire sprinkler installations.