Pa. House poised to repeal new-home sprinkler mandate

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania lawmakers are poised to repeal a requirement that fire sprinkler systems be installed in newly built homes.

The bill was scheduled to be debated today in the House, which could send it on to Gov. Tom Corbett.

The legislation would eliminate a requirement in the state Uniform Construction Code that requires sprinkler systems to be installed in all new one- and two-family home construction. Firefighters and others involved in fire safety say sprinklers can save many lives, while home builders argued the requirement could drive up home prices.

The House approved the measure by a lopsided margin last month, and the Senate voted 33-17 on Tuesday in favor of an amended version. The amendment also changes the way revisions to the construction code are reviewed and adopted.