New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey S385: Light frame residential construction-establish fire safety and protocols
Status: In committee, October 1, 2026
Establishes fire safety standards and protocols for certain light frame residential construction; requires placards identifying primary structural systems of buildings.
What the bill says
An Act concerning certain light frame residential construction, supplementing P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.), and amending P.L.1991, c.188.
From the introduced text, January 13, 2026:
An Act concerning certain light frame residential construction, supplementing P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.), and amending P.L.1991, c.188. Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. (New section) a. A new residential use structure that is classified as Residential Group R under the International Building Code and contains more than two dwelling or sleeping units may only be constructed utilizing light frame construction if the following requirements are satisfied: (1) An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the structure in accordance with the requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. (2) The number of stories permitted in the structure shall be measured from grade plane excluding any pedestal or podium. (3) Each fire partition shall: (a) be constructed of code-approved material; (b) be constructed as a fire barrier with a fire-resistance rating of at least two hours; (c) extend from the foundation to the attic; and (d) comply with all other requirements for fire barriers under the code. (4) Each horizontal separation installed between floors separating dwelling or sleeping units shall: (a) be constructed of code-approved material; (b) be constructed as a horizontal assembly with a fire-resistance rating of at least two hours; and (c) comply with all other requirements for horizontal assemblies …
Sponsors
- Brian P. Stack (D, 33) · primary sponsor
- Shirley K. Turner (D, 15) · primary sponsor
- Benjie E. Wimberly (D, 35)
Latest actions
- : REF SBA
- : REP 2RS
- : INT 1RS REF SCU
Votes
- Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee: Reported favorably (October 1, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: HOUSING, HOUSING - CONSTRUCTION CODES
Common questions
- What is S385?
- S385 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): Light frame residential construction-establish fire safety and protocols.
- What does S385 do?
- In its own words: An Act concerning certain light frame residential construction, supplementing P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.), and amending P.L.1991, c.188.
- What is the status of S385?
- In committee as of October 1, 2026. Latest action: REF SBA (October 1, 2026).
- Who sponsored S385?
- Brian P. Stack (D, 33), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for S385?
- On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S385
Source: official New Jersey record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.