SB494 Relative to the state fire code, fire incident reporting and investigations, and the duties of the state fire marshal.
Relative to the state fire code, fire incident reporting and investigations, and the duties of the state fire marshal.
Impact Score — How Does This Bill Affect You?
Overall Impact Score
Mixed
Scale: 1 (harmful) to 10 (beneficial)
Your Wallet
Updated fire codes may increase construction costs marginally but can reduce fire damage losses and potentially lower insurance premiums over time.
Your Community
Improved fire safety standards and better incident investigation procedures directly protect NH residents and property from fire hazards.
Your Freedom
Fire code updates are standard public safety measures that balance property rights with community protection.
Status
Signed by the Governor on 05/28/2026; Chapter 104; Effective 07/27/2026
Sponsor
Howard Pearl (R)
The Short Version
Updates the state fire code, fire incident reporting requirements, and the duties of the state fire marshal. Modernizes fire safety regulations and investigation procedures to better protect NH residents.
Who's Behind This Bill?
Who Benefits
- ▲ NH residents benefiting from improved fire safety
- ▲ Fire departments with better reporting tools
- ▲ Communities with updated safety standards
Who Pays the Price
- ▼ Property owners who may face updated code compliance costs
- ▼ Builders subject to new requirements
Bill statuses as of May 2026. Check LegiScan or NH General Court for the latest.
This bill was auto-scored using AI analysis of the bill text and legislative data. Scores may be refined as we review more bills.