South Carolina Bill to Install Fire Sprinklers has Setback

A bill that encourages businesses and homeowners to install fire sprinkler systems has stalled in a South Carolina Senate committee.

Calls for more sprinkler systems in buildings increased after nine Charleston firefighters were killed in a furniture store fire.

However, some local governments are worried they will lose money because the proposal limits what they can charge to install fire sprinkler systems.

Senator Greg Ryberg says the local governments have used fees tied to installing and maintaining sprinkler systems to expand water systems to new customers.

The bill has been sent back to a subcommittee for more discussion.