May 25, 2014 – Support is ablaze for a bill in the Illinois House of Representatives that would put lawmakers – and not the state fire marshal – in charge of any high-rise sprinkler requirement.

As of May 8, 6,000 people had signed a petition supporting HB 4609, according to State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, who introduced the bill on February 4.

The bill is currently up for a vote by the Illinois House. A decision has to be made by May 31. If the bill becomes law, a task force on fire prevention and safety would be created to make recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly, which would decide on any changes to state fire ordinances.

On Friday, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly reiterated his support of HB 4609, saying the issue is important to residents of high-rise buildings in Chicago.

In his weekly newsletter to constituents, Reilly (left) says the bill would “ensure that any potential changes to state fire sprinkler laws are created with more transparency, adequate public input, and open discussion in the General Assembly.”

Before backing down, Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis proposed requiring sprinklers in many Chicago high-rises, which the Home Builders Association of Illinois estimated would cost about $50,000 per condo unit.

• Previous story: Legislation introduced to extinguish high-rise sprinkler mandate
• Sign the petition: State Representative Sara Feigenholtz