Rep. Scherer Highlights New Smoke Detector Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –To help keep local residents safe and informed, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is highlighting a new law that will require owners of many types of buildings to purchase and install a 10-year nonremovable battery smoke detector.  

“All too often we hear of tragic fires where precious life is lost because of out-of-date or faulty smoke detectors,” said Scherer. “I urge everyone to take a look at their smoke detectors, and make sure they’re up to date.”

Public Act 100-0200, which institutes new requirements for 10-year battery sealed smoke detectors in homes, multi-unit dwellings and hotels, goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. The law makes several changes:

• Single-family homes are required to have a smoke detector on each story.
• Hotels are required to have smoke detectors within 15 feet of each guest room.
• Multi-unit and mixed dwelling units- such as urban store fronts and apartment buildings – are required to have one on the ceiling at the highest part of each stairwell.

Owners of noncompliant structures will be fined $100 for violations. For help making sure your building is compliant, please reach out to your local fire department. Through a partnership with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall, fire departments are available to provide and install smoke detectors without any cost to the owner.

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