Bill allows exemptions for
carbon monoxide detector installations

The State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Jim Alesi which would provide specific conditions on the dwelling units required to install carbon monoxide detectors. These conditions are meant to exempt dwelling units that do not have any carbon monoxide producing entities, such as electrically heated homes.

Under a law passed in 2002, which was a bill originally sponsored by Senator Alesi (S.475-A of 2002), carbon monoxide detectors are currently required in every one or two-family dwelling or any dwelling accommodation located in a condominium or cooperative in the state.

"Carbon monoxide is a serious threat to the public health and must be dealt with accordingly," said Senator Alesi. "However, it is also necessary to recognize that there are instances in which a home is not at risk of a carbon monoxide leak, and there is no reason that the owners of these properties should be required to undertake an additional expense when their health is not in jeopardy."

This legislation was also passed by the Senate in 2004, but subsequently died in the Assembly. The bill has again been sent to the Assembly for consideration.