The Pennsylvania Builders Association issued the following statement today after the state House of Representatives voted (154-39) to eliminate the sprinkler mandate in new one and two family homes.

The legislation will now be sent to the Senate for a concurrence vote.According to PBA Board President Ray Venema, "We are thrilled that Garth Everett's (R-Lycoming County) legislation had such strong bipartisan support. We thank our Pennsylvania House members for listening to what their constituents had to say and voting today for the consumer's right to choose. This is a true victory for affordable housing and private property rights."The five key points of HB 377 are:1. The sprinkler mandate is removed from new one and two family homes (townhouse requirement remains intact).2. Increased fire protection is provided for lightweight floor assemblies.3. Builders are required to offer sprinkler systems to buyers at point of sale.4. Energy efficiency trade-offs for log home manufacturers and builders are provided to help them meet today's energy requirements.5. HB 377 provides retroactivity for those homes where permits have already been issued so that they may build to the provisions found within the legislation.Venema further explained, "We believe HB 377 represents a good compromise between controlling costs for the consumer and protecting the lives of residents and firefighters. We look forward to working with our Senators and we urge them to take swift action on behalf of Pennsylvania's consumers as well."