Pa. House votes to repeal new-home sprinkler mandate

A bill to repeal a requirement that sprinkler systems be installed in new-home construction in Pennsylvania is on its way to Gov. Tom Corbett.

Wednesday’s 129-68 vote followed a lengthy debate over a Senate amendment that critics warned will give the construction industry too much power over the state’s Uniform Construction Code.

If signed by Gov. Tom Corbett, the bill will erase a mandate that sprinkler be installed in all one- and two-family homes built since Jan. 1. Firefighters and safety advocates say sprinklers can save many lives, while home builders argued the requirement could drive up prices for homebuyers.

Critics said the amendment say it effectively gives builders veto power on the 19-member panel that oversees revisions to the code.

It’s unclear whether Corbett will sign the bill.