Rep. Gullett backs minimum UL 217 ninth-edition smoke-detector standard for new and replaced detectors

Representative Joseph Gullett told the Senate Subcommittee on Public Safety that HB 1201 (LC 520948) would set a baseline smoke-detector standard in Georgia homes and commercial units by requiring detectors meet the UL 217 ninth edition beginning in 2027 for new installs and 2028 for all detectors.

Gullett said the ninth-edition standard tests for both fast flaming and slow smoldering fires consecutively and reduces nuisance alarms — features he and other witnesses say are better suited to modern construction materials. "Fires have changed over time," Gullett said, and "these new detectors are able to detect that smoke, whereas the older detectors are not." He cited 83 Georgians who died in house fires in 2024 as part of the rationale for updating standards.

Manufacturing representative Todd Tomcic of Kiddup testified about the technical differences between earlier editions and the ninth edition and said retail price differences are small; he stated industry pricing shows a nominal $1–$2 difference for the newer technology when purchased at scale. Committee members asked whether the change should be made by statute or through code and regulation; several senators pointed to NFPA 72 and to the insurance and safety fire commissioner's existing rulemaking authority as possible alternatives.

Senator John Albers and other members asked for data on how many fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke detectors; witnesses cited an industry statistic that about three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke detector. The sponsor and committee members agreed to validate current code cross-references and consult the insurance commissioner's office and fire-safety professionals as the bill moves forward.

No appropriation or final vote was recorded at the hearing; the sponsor and committee agreed to follow up on code references and cost data.