MD SB513

Counties and municipal corporations may designate assistant State fire marshals with State Fire Marshal approval, and the State Fire Marshal must adopt regulations establishing minimum training, certification, and eligibility standards for these positions

Beginning October 1, 2026, automatic fire sprinklers must be installed in residential rental high-rise buildings undergoing "substantial renovation" (defined as permanent alterations costing 40% or more of the building's assessed value)

Substantially renovated high-rise buildings must also include smoke alarms in every sleeping area, 2-hour fire-rated stairwell enclosures, smokeproof exit enclosures, and at least two smoke compartments per floor

The definition of "high-rise building" is updated to mean a building where an occupiable floor is greater than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access

The State Fire Prevention Commission must establish a new licensing and regulatory program for fire alarm system technicians and fire alarm system companies, including professional standards, liability insurance requirements, and fee schedules