Missouri Lawmakers OK Fire Sprinkler Choice Extension

Missouri lawmakers have endorsed a bill that lets homeowners choose whether to install fire sprinklers in their homes.

House members voted 149-9 to approve House Bill 46, which would bar local governments from requiring residential sprinklers. State law currently prevents local governments from requiring sprinklers, but it was set to expire after this year.

Supporters of the extension say most homes are safe without sprinklers and that owners should be able to decide whether they want to install them. Critics contend local governments should have the authority to set their own rules.

The House must approve the bill a second time before it is sent to the Senate.