Senate Labor Commerce & Industry Sends Weakened Sprinkler Bill to Senate Floor

According to The State newspaper, the Senate LCI reported out the fire sprinkler bill – S 860 – with strong support, but Senator Glenn Reese (D-Spartanburg) placed an objection on the bill, which hurts its chance of passage this session.

The legislation would give a state income tax credit to help offset the cost of installing or improving fire sprinkler systems in commercial buildings.

Firefighters and families of fire victims have made emotional pleas for the General Assembly to require more fire sprinkler systems in commercial buildings. A number of the spouses of the firemen that lost their lives in the tragic Charleston fire where nine firefighters lost their lives have testified before House and Senate panels urging this legislation. This bill would go a long way toward requiring fire sprinklers in more commercial establishments.

House Bill 4470, another fire sprinkler bill passed the House and sent to the Senate in February. This bill is currently in the Senate Finance Committee.