State fire marshal consideration of amending the fire code to require sealed for smoke alarms in dwelling units requirement

SF 3964 requires smoke alarms replacing those in qualifying residential dwelling units (excluding hotels, commercial buildings, and certain fire alarm systems) to use sealed batteries (non-removable for 10 years) and meet national testing standards by August 1, 2027. The law applies whenever smoke alarms are replaced for any reason, including after their 10-year manufacturer lifespan. It updates Minnesota’s State Fire Code to mandate these specific safety features for residential units. Violations would be enforced through existing fire code penalties under Minnesota Statutes, section 299F.011.