relative to the administration and enforcement of the state fire code.

The bill's status label was updated from 'As Amended by the Senate' to 'Version Adopted by Both Bodies,' indicating the legislative process moved forward after both chambers concurred on the text.

The effective date was changed from July 2, 2026 to July 1, 2027, delaying when the new fire code enforcement provisions take effect by roughly one year.

Estimated state expenditures shifted: FY 2027 went from $199,000 to $0, FY 2028 increased from $203,000 to $231,000, and FY 2029 decreased slightly from $212,000 to $207,000. The two new positions (building inspector and administrative assistant) now assume a July 1, 2027 start date instead of September 1, 2026.

The 20-year exemption from retroactive fire code compliance for buildings that received a certificate of occupancy was completely removed. Previously, buildings permitted before a fire code change would not be required to retrofit for 20 years after their certificate of occupancy.

The entire provision authorizing local fire chiefs to grant variances from the state fire code (RSA 154:2, II-a) was removed. This included the two pathways for variances (special property conditions or certified alternative methods), the mandatory indemnification and waiver language applicants had to sign, and the 30/60-day decision timelines.

A new provision (RSA 155-A:7, VI) gives the state fire marshal statewide authority to approve, disapprove, or allow alternative materials, design methods, construction equipment, and code modifications to the state building code for all municipalities. This centralizes what was previously a local-level decision at the state level.

The appeal provision in RSA 153:8-a was updated to reference RSA 154:2, II(b) instead of II-a (reflecting the removal of the variance paragraph), and 'fire marshal' was consistently changed to 'state fire marshal' throughout.

A fiscal note was added estimating state expenditures of $199,000 in FY 2027, $203,000 in FY 2028, and $212,000 in FY 2029 to fund two new positions (a building inspector and an administrative assistant) in the Division of Fire Safety. No appropriation is provided.

An effective date of July 2, 2026 was added to the amended bill.