HR4359-119

What This Bill Does

The Public Housing Fire Safety Act creates a federal grant program to help public housing agencies install automatic sprinkler systems in older public housing buildings. These older buildings are currently exempt from modern fire safety requirements that apply to newly constructed properties. The bill also requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to report to Congress on how many public housing units lack sprinkler systems.

Who Benefits and How

Public housing residents are the primary beneficiaries, as automatic sprinkler systems significantly reduce fire-related deaths and injuries. Older public housing buildings, often built before modern fire codes, would gain life-saving fire suppression systems at no cost to residents. Local communities also benefit from improved safety in affordable housing stock and reduced fire damage to public property.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Public housing agencies must apply for competitive grants and manage the installation projects. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for administering the grant program, conducting inspections, and submitting a congressional report within 3 years on sprinkler system coverage in public housing. The program is funded through an authorization of $25 million per year from 2025-2034 ($250 million total), which ultimately comes from federal taxpayers.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a competitive grant program for public housing agencies to install automatic sprinkler systems
• Targets "exempted" public housing projects (older buildings not subject to current fire safety requirements)
• Authorizes $25 million annually from 2025-2034 to the Capital Fund for this purpose
• Requires HUD to report to Congress within 3 years on sprinkler system presence in public housing
• Excludes rebuilt multifamily properties from grant eligibility (they are already required to have sprinklers)
• Explicitly does not mandate sprinkler installation - participation is voluntary