New Jersey 222nd Legislature Status: Introduced 1 D cosponsors

S 3042 — Concerns availability of fire escape mechanisms in residential dwellings; provides penalty for violation.

Last action — REF SBA

  1. 1
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed General Assembly
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced January 13, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee referral and hearing.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

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A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Stalled 28% · moderate confidence

  • Introduced

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 D).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 1 recorded vote so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

Requires residential buildings to have fire escape mechanisms and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

This bill mandates that residential buildings provide fire escape mechanisms for safety. It also outlines penalties for owners who fail to comply.

What this means for you
  • Families: Families living in residential buildings will benefit from increased safety measures for fire emergencies.

Summary

Fire escape mechanisms-concerns availability in resid dwelling; provides penalty

Bill Text

  • Introduced View text Current html January 08, 2026

How this bill changes current law

6 changes Share ↗

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 3 section(s) of the New Jersey statutes: N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1; N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.2; N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.3.

  • N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1

    a. b. c. Each structure used or intended for use for residential purposes shall also be equipped with a fire escape mechanism on each level of the structure containing living space above the ground floor of the structure. For purposes of this section, a "fire escape mechanism" means a device or system of devices which will provide for the safe exit of a person or persons from a window when egress through the use of ground floor exits is inaccessible due to fire, smoke, or other life-threatening danger. A fire escape mechanism shall include, but be not limited to, an anchor plate, hook, and rope system. The Commissioner of Community Affairs shall promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to implement the requirements of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). d.

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.2

    and → , , and a fire escape mechanism

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.3

    $500.00 or → $500 , or a fine of not more than $1,000 in the case of a violation for a fire escape mechanism

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1

    a. b. c. Each structure used or intended for use for residential purposes shall also be equipped with a fire escape mechanism on each level of the structure containing living space above the ground floor of the structure. For purposes of this section, a "fire escape mechanism" means a device or system of devices which will provide for the safe exit of a person or persons from a window when egress through the use of ground floor exits is inaccessible due to fire, smoke, or other life-threatening danger. A fire escape mechanism shall include, but be not limited to, an anchor plate, hook, and rope system. The Commissioner of Community Affairs shall, on or before the first day of the 13th month next following the enactment of P.L. , c. (pending before the Legislature as this bill), promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to implement the requirements of P.L. , c. (pending before the Legislature as this bill). d.

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.2

    and a fire escape mechanism

    amended

  • N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.3

    immediately → , or a fine of not more than $1,000 in the case of a violation for a fire escape mechanism on the first day of the 13th month next following enactment, except that the Commissioner of Community Affairs may take anticipatory administrative action as shall be necessary for the implementation of this act

    amended

Action History

  1. REF SBA

  2. REP/SCA 2RS

  3. INT 1RS REF SCU

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 119 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (119)

119 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 119 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Subjects

public-safety housing
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does S 3042 do?
Fire escape mechanisms-concerns availability in resid dwelling; provides penalty
Who sponsors S 3042?
S 3042 is sponsored by Wimberly, Benjie E. (Democrat).
What is the current status of S 3042?
This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced January 13, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track S 3042?
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