firesprinkler.tv Fire sprinkler

By ANJALI ATHAVALEY

A handful of states are passing laws that prevent municipalities from requiring fire sprinklers in new homes, months after such mandates were adopted into a widely used residential building code.

Texas, North Dakota and Idaho have passed laws prohibiting local jurisdictions from requiring sprinklers in single- and two-family dwellings. Lawmakers who support such bills say that homeowners should be able to choose whether they want sprinklers, which add to the cost of a home.

By ERIC LINDBERG