H.R. 4359: Public Housing Fire Safety Act

This bill, titled the Public Housing Fire Safety Act, aims to enhance fire safety in public housing by allowing public housing agencies to utilize grants for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems. Below are the key components of the bill:

Grant Program

The bill establishes a competitive grant program overseen by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This program will provide funds to public housing agencies specifically for:

• Installing automatic sprinkler systems in exempted public housing projects.

Definitions

The bill clearly defines key terms including:

• Automatic Sprinkler System: As defined in existing fire control legislation.
• Capital Fund: A fund established to support public housing activities.
• Exempted Public Housing Project: Public housing projects that are not newly constructed multifamily properties and do not fall under specific fire safety requirements.
• Public Housing Agency: An organization that manages and operates public housing.

Inspections and Reporting

The bill requires the Secretary to report on the status of automatic sprinkler systems in public housing. Key points include:

• The Secretary must inspect public housing to determine the presence of sprinkler systems.
• A report must be submitted to Congress within three years of the bill's enactment, focusing on exempted projects and making recommendations for improving fire safety.
• It clarifies that agencies are not mandated to install sprinkler systems in projects defined as exempted.

Limitations on Grants

Grants received under this bill cannot be used for installing sprinkler systems in newly rebuilt multifamily properties.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes the appropriation of $25 million annually from fiscal years 2025 to 2034 to support this grant program through the Capital Fund. This is in addition to any other funds allocated for the Capital Fund.

Overall Impact

This legislation is designed to improve fire safety measures in public housing facilities through funding for sprinkler system installations, thereby potentially reducing the risk of fire-related incidents in these communities.

Relevant Companies

• ADT (ADT Inc.) - A provider of security and fire safety solutions, could see increased demand for services related to the installation of automatic sprinkler systems in public housing as a result of this legislation.
• FirstEnergy (FE) - Though primarily an energy company, any initiatives for fire safety improvements may correlate indirectly with energy safety management in public housing facilities.