Earlier this month, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, with the support of the majority democratic leadership, revealed the language for President Barack Obama’s $825 billion stimulus bill known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Included in the bill is language proposed by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) for the professional installation of fire/life safety alarms in schools and universities.

The NBFAA-supported language is included in two provisions providing $16 billion to public schools and $4 billion to colleges and universities. For schools, grants can be used to bring public schools into compliance with fire, health and safety codes, including professional installation of fire/life safety alarms, and modernizations, renovations and repairs that ensure schools are prepared for emergencies, such as improving building infrastructure to accommodate security measures.

For colleges and universities, grants can be used for compliance with fire and safety codes, including professional installation of fire/life safety alarms, and modernizations, renovations and repairs that ensure schools are prepared for emergencies, such as improving building infrastructure to accommodate security measures.

NBFAA’s language was originally included in separate bills last session with the support of Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-NY), the sponsor of life-safety legislation for long-term care, assisted living and nursing homes.

The House is expected to take up the measure quickly as it is a major piece of President Obama’s economic recovery plan. Once passed by the House, the Senate will need to approve the bill before sending it to the president for his signature. The bill is expected to be passed and sent to the White House in early February.

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NBFAA January 2009 press release.

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