Senate sends governor fire safety notification bill
The bill is one of several to grow out of two fatal fires at residences for the elderly within the past six months, one in Nashville and one in Maryville.
The bill’s provisions would extend to assisted living centers and residential homes for the aged, as well as nursing homes. It would require a separate disclosure of the home’s fire safety equipment, to be signed and witnessed at the time a contract for residency was finalized.
Senators unanimously approved minor changes the House had made to the bill on Monday. Bredesen could sign the bill, allow it to become law without his signature or veto it.
“The governor is fully committed to addressing the sprinkler issue and protecting the safety of the residents of Tennessee nursing homes, homes for the aged and assisted living homes,” said spokeswoman Lydia Lenker, declining to speculate on what the governor would do.
“There is a lot of robust discussion in the General Assembly right now and that’s exactly where we need to be on this issue as we find a meaningful solution.”
Two other bills requiring the installation of full sprinkler systems continue to make their way through the Legislature.
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On the Net:
Read House Bill 2198/Senate Bill 2079: http://www.legislature.state.tn.us
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