Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act
Encyclopedia
The Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act (FSIA) is the name of proposed legislation in both the House and Senate . The legislation would amend the 1986 Internal Revenue Code by classifying fire sprinkler retrofits as a five year property for purposes of depreciation. Currently the tax depreciation time for commercial property is 39 years and 27.5 for residential.
The FSIA would allow for a more rapid recovery of cost, and would reduce the annual economic and human losses that fire in the U.S. inflicts on the national economy, environment and quality of life. Passage of the FSIA would be consistent with past practice at the Federal level where Congress has historically provided incentives and left decisions regarding adoption of fire protection requirements up to state and local government.
H.R. 1194 is currently sponsored by Rep. James Langevin
[D-RI]. S.2947 is currently sponsored by Sen. Thomas Carper [D-DE].
killed 100 concert goers in Rhode Island in February 2003, many lawmakers took note of the need to update building and fire codes, but no national action was taken. A large coalition (including firefighter associations, labor organizations, fire sprinkler manufacturers and fire and life organizations) has since formed to lobby congress to pass the FSIA.
The FSIA was first introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Curt Weldon
[R-PA] in 2003 and in the Senate by Sen. Rick Santorum
[R-PA] in 2004. The legislation has been introduced in both chambers in every Congress since the 108th session, but has never made it out of committee.
The 111th Congress may be more successful with the FSIA’s passage by focusing on the immediate needs of the country, including unemployment. Passage of the FSIA would mean an increase in employment among small businesses that offer sprinkler installation services.
The biggest present obstacle to passing the FSIA is the expected cost.
(NFPA), there are more than 16,000 fire-related injuries in addition to 3,200 civilian and 100 firefighter deaths each year. A 2007 NFPA study found that in buildings with properly installed sprinklers, the death rate per fire can be reduced by 57 percent and property damage decreased by 68 percent. The NFPA also has no record of two or more deaths in an educational, institutional, public assembly or residential building with properly installed and functioning sprinkler systems.
The direct property damage caused by fire is more than $10 billion in the U.S., rising to $107 billion when accounting for indirect costs such as lost economic activity. The total cost due to fire in America reaches $347 billion when including human losses, economic losses, and the cost of provisions to prevent the cost of fire.
The FSIA is also expected to have a great impact on the environment. A 2010 FM Global and the Fire Home Sprinkler Coalition study concluded fire sprinklers reduce the release of greenhouse gases by 99 percent, reduce the amount of water usage by 50 percent, and reduce the amount of fire damage done to a location. The study also revealed a reduction in the amount of materials burned by the fire and a reduction in the amount of raw materials required to rebuild after a fire.
American Fire Sprinkler Association
American Health Care Association
American Hotel and Lodging Association
American Institute of Architects
American Insurance Association
American Society of Safety Engineers
Building Owners and Managers Association
Congressional Fire Services Institute
Fire Department Safety Officers Association
Home Safety Council
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America
International Association of Arson Investigators
International Association of Black Professional Firefighters
International Association of Fire Chiefs
International Association of Fire Fighters
International Code Council
International Fire Marshals Association
International Fire Service Training Association
International Society of Fire Service Instructors
Mechanical Contractors Association
National Association of Elected Fire Officials
National Association of State Fire Marshals
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
National Fire Protection Association
National Fire Sprinkler Association
National Society of Executive Fire Officers
National Volunteer Fire Council
North American Fire Training Directors
SimplexGrinnell
Society of Fire Protection Engineers
The Associated General Contractors of America
The Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports
The Lightning Safety Alliance
Underwriters Laboratories
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry
USA Sprinkler Fitters Association
The FSIA would allow for a more rapid recovery of cost, and would reduce the annual economic and human losses that fire in the U.S. inflicts on the national economy, environment and quality of life. Passage of the FSIA would be consistent with past practice at the Federal level where Congress has historically provided incentives and left decisions regarding adoption of fire protection requirements up to state and local government.
H.R. 1194 is currently sponsored by Rep. James Langevin
James Langevin
James R. Langevin is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2001. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life and education:Langevin was born in Providence, Rhode Island...
[D-RI]. S.2947 is currently sponsored by Sen. Thomas Carper [D-DE].
Background
After the Station nightclub fireThe Station nightclub fire
The Station nightclub fire was the fourth deadliest nightclub fire in American history, killing 100 people. The fire began at 11:07 PM EST, on Thursday, February 20, 2003, at The Station, a glam metal and rock n roll themed nightclub located at 211 Cowesett Avenue in West Warwick, Rhode Island.The...
killed 100 concert goers in Rhode Island in February 2003, many lawmakers took note of the need to update building and fire codes, but no national action was taken. A large coalition (including firefighter associations, labor organizations, fire sprinkler manufacturers and fire and life organizations) has since formed to lobby congress to pass the FSIA.
The FSIA was first introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Curt Weldon
Curt Weldon
Wayne Curtis "Curt" Weldon is an American politician. He served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1987 to 2007, representing the 7th district of Pennsylvania. He was defeated in November 2006 for reelection by Joe Sestak. Weldon was vice-chair of the Armed...
[R-PA] in 2003 and in the Senate by Sen. Rick Santorum
Rick Santorum
Richard John "Rick" Santorum is a lawyer and a former United States Senator from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Santorum was the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference -making him the third-ranking Senate Republican from 2001 until his leave in 2007. Santorum is considered both a social...
[R-PA] in 2004. The legislation has been introduced in both chambers in every Congress since the 108th session, but has never made it out of committee.
The 111th Congress may be more successful with the FSIA’s passage by focusing on the immediate needs of the country, including unemployment. Passage of the FSIA would mean an increase in employment among small businesses that offer sprinkler installation services.
The biggest present obstacle to passing the FSIA is the expected cost.
Impact
According to the National Fire Protection AssociationNational Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association is a United States trade association that creates and maintains private, copywrited, standards and codes for usage and adoption by local governments...
(NFPA), there are more than 16,000 fire-related injuries in addition to 3,200 civilian and 100 firefighter deaths each year. A 2007 NFPA study found that in buildings with properly installed sprinklers, the death rate per fire can be reduced by 57 percent and property damage decreased by 68 percent. The NFPA also has no record of two or more deaths in an educational, institutional, public assembly or residential building with properly installed and functioning sprinkler systems.
The direct property damage caused by fire is more than $10 billion in the U.S., rising to $107 billion when accounting for indirect costs such as lost economic activity. The total cost due to fire in America reaches $347 billion when including human losses, economic losses, and the cost of provisions to prevent the cost of fire.
The FSIA is also expected to have a great impact on the environment. A 2010 FM Global and the Fire Home Sprinkler Coalition study concluded fire sprinklers reduce the release of greenhouse gases by 99 percent, reduce the amount of water usage by 50 percent, and reduce the amount of fire damage done to a location. The study also revealed a reduction in the amount of materials burned by the fire and a reduction in the amount of raw materials required to rebuild after a fire.
Legislative history
| Congress | Short title | Bill number(s) | Date introduced | Sponsor(s) | # of cosponsors | Latest status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111th Congress | Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2009 | February 25, 2009 | Rep. James Langevin James Langevin James R. Langevin is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2001. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life and education:Langevin was born in Providence, Rhode Island... (D-RI) |
138 | Referred to the United States House Committee on Ways and Means United States House Committee on Ways and Means The Committee of Ways and Means is the chief tax-writing committee of the United States House of Representatives. Members of the Ways and Means Committee are not allowed to serve on any other House Committees unless they apply for a waiver from their party's congressional leadership... . |
|
| January 22, 2010 | Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) | 7 | Read twice and referred to the United States Senate Committee on Finance United States Senate Committee on Finance The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance is a standing committee of the United States Senate. The Committee concerns itself with matters relating to taxation and other revenue measures generally, and those relating to the insular possessions; bonded debt of the United States; customs, collection... . |
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| 110th Congress | Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2007 | March 28, 2007 | Rep. James Langevin James Langevin James R. Langevin is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2001. He is a member of the Democratic Party.-Early life and education:Langevin was born in Providence, Rhode Island... (D-RI) |
148 | Referred to the United States House Committee on Ways and Means United States House Committee on Ways and Means The Committee of Ways and Means is the chief tax-writing committee of the United States House of Representatives. Members of the Ways and Means Committee are not allowed to serve on any other House Committees unless they apply for a waiver from their party's congressional leadership... . |
|
| February 14, 2007 | Sen. Gordon Smith Gordon Smith Gordon Harold Smith is a former United States Senator and businessman from the state of Oregon. A Republican, he served two terms in the Senate. Born in Eastern Oregon, Smith was raised there and in Maryland before attending Brigham Young University and Southwestern University School of Law. Prior... (R-OR) |
27 | Read twice and referred to the United States Senate Committee on Finance United States Senate Committee on Finance The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance is a standing committee of the United States Senate. The Committee concerns itself with matters relating to taxation and other revenue measures generally, and those relating to the insular possessions; bonded debt of the United States; customs, collection... . |
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| 109th Congress | Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2005 | March 3, 2005 | Rep. Curt Weldon Curt Weldon Wayne Curtis "Curt" Weldon is an American politician. He served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1987 to 2007, representing the 7th district of Pennsylvania. He was defeated in November 2006 for reelection by Joe Sestak. Weldon was vice-chair of the Armed... (R-PA) |
165 | Referred to the United States House Committee on Ways and Means United States House Committee on Ways and Means The Committee of Ways and Means is the chief tax-writing committee of the United States House of Representatives. Members of the Ways and Means Committee are not allowed to serve on any other House Committees unless they apply for a waiver from their party's congressional leadership... . |
|
| March 3, 2005 | Sen. Rick Santorum Rick Santorum Richard John "Rick" Santorum is a lawyer and a former United States Senator from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Santorum was the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference -making him the third-ranking Senate Republican from 2001 until his leave in 2007. Santorum is considered both a social... (R-PA) |
15 | Read twice and referred to the United States Senate Committee on Finance United States Senate Committee on Finance The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance is a standing committee of the United States Senate. The Committee concerns itself with matters relating to taxation and other revenue measures generally, and those relating to the insular possessions; bonded debt of the United States; customs, collection... . |
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| 108th Congress | Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2003 | April 11, 2003 | Rep. Curt Weldon Curt Weldon Wayne Curtis "Curt" Weldon is an American politician. He served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1987 to 2007, representing the 7th district of Pennsylvania. He was defeated in November 2006 for reelection by Joe Sestak. Weldon was vice-chair of the Armed... (R-PA) |
140 | Referred to the United States House Committee on Ways and Means United States House Committee on Ways and Means The Committee of Ways and Means is the chief tax-writing committee of the United States House of Representatives. Members of the Ways and Means Committee are not allowed to serve on any other House Committees unless they apply for a waiver from their party's congressional leadership... . |
|
| September 29, 2004 | Sen. Rick Santorum Rick Santorum Richard John "Rick" Santorum is a lawyer and a former United States Senator from the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Santorum was the chairman of the Senate Republican Conference -making him the third-ranking Senate Republican from 2001 until his leave in 2007. Santorum is considered both a social... (R-PA) |
2 | Read twice and referred to the United States Senate Committee on Finance United States Senate Committee on Finance The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance is a standing committee of the United States Senate. The Committee concerns itself with matters relating to taxation and other revenue measures generally, and those relating to the insular possessions; bonded debt of the United States; customs, collection... . |
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Coalition support
The Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act has been endorsed and supported by the following organizations:American Fire Sprinkler Association
American Health Care Association
American Health Care Association
The American Health Care Association is non-profit federation of affiliated state health organizations, together representing more than 10,000 non-profit and for-profit assisted living, nursing facility, developmentally-disabled, and subacute care providers that care for more than 1.5 million...
American Hotel and Lodging Association
American Institute of Architects
American Institute of Architects
The American Institute of Architects is a professional organization for architects in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AIA offers education, government advocacy, community redevelopment, and public outreach to support the architecture profession and improve its public image...
American Insurance Association
American Society of Safety Engineers
American Society of Safety Engineers
Founded in 1911, the American Society of Safety Engineers is the oldest safety society and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 33,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members manage, supervise, research and consult on safety,...
Building Owners and Managers Association
Building Owners and Managers Association
The Building Owners and Managers Association , founded in 1907, is a professional organization for commercial real estate professionals and is the oldest and largest in its field. Its membership includes building owners, managers, developers, leasing professionals, medical office building managers,...
Congressional Fire Services Institute
Fire Department Safety Officers Association
Home Safety Council
Home Safety Council
The Home Safety Council is the only national American nonprofit organization solely dedicated to preventing home related injuries that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits on average each year....
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America is a national association of independent insurance agents.The national association is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia and has affiliate offices in every state and the District of Columbia....
International Association of Arson Investigators
International Association of Arson Investigators
The International Association of Arson Investigators is a professional association of individuals who conduct fire investigations. The IAAI provides resources for training, research, and technology for fire investigators around the world. It is based in Crofton, Maryland.-External links:* -...
International Association of Black Professional Firefighters
International Association of Black Professional Firefighters
The International Association of Black Professional Firefighters represents more than 5000 fire service personnel throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, organized in 96 chapters....
International Association of Fire Chiefs
International Association of Fire Chiefs
The International Association of Fire Chiefs is a network of more than 12,000 chief fire and emergency officers. The Association was established in 1873. The Executive Director is Mark W. Light. The Deputy Executive Director is Mary Beth Michos...
International Association of Fire Fighters
International Association of Fire Fighters
The International Association of Fire Fighters is a labor union representing professional firefighters in the United States and Canada. The IAFF was formed in 1918 and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO in the United States and the Canadian Labour Congress in Canada. The IAFF is headquartered in...
International Code Council
International code council
The International Code Council , a membership association dedicated to building safety, fire prevention and energy efficiency, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the...
International Fire Marshals Association
International Fire Service Training Association
International Fire Service Training Association
International Fire Service Training Association is an association of fire service personnel who are dedicated to upgrading fire fighting techniques and safety through training. The mission of IFSTA is to identify areas of need for training materials and to foster the development and validation of...
International Society of Fire Service Instructors
Mechanical Contractors Association
National Association of Elected Fire Officials
National Association of State Fire Marshals
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
National Fire Protection Association
National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association is a United States trade association that creates and maintains private, copywrited, standards and codes for usage and adoption by local governments...
National Fire Sprinkler Association
National Society of Executive Fire Officers
National Volunteer Fire Council
National Volunteer Fire Council
National Volunteer Fire Council is the leading 501 nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services...
North American Fire Training Directors
SimplexGrinnell
SimplexGrinnell
SimplexGrinnell, a subsidiary of Tyco International, is an American company specializing in active fire protection systems, communication systems and testing, inspection and maintenance services...
Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Society of Fire Protection Engineers
The Society of Fire Protection Engineers is a professional society for fire protection engineering established in 1950. SFPE publishes the Journal of Fire Protection Engineering, published on behalf of the society by SAGE Publications and Fire Protection Engineering magazine is published...
The Associated General Contractors of America
The Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports
The Lightning Safety Alliance
Underwriters Laboratories
Underwriters Laboratories
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. is an independent product safety certification organization. Established in 1894, the company has its headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois. UL develops standards and test procedures for products, materials, components, assemblies, tools and equipment, chiefly dealing...
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry
United Association
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, commonly known as the United Association is a trade union of journeymen and apprentices of the plumbing, pipefitting, and sprinkler fitting industry of...
USA Sprinkler Fitters Association
External links
- Text of H.R. 1194
- http://www.rollcall.com/issues/55_140/-46810-1.html, Roll Call, May 27, 2010:Nightclub Inferno Sparked an Industry’s Push