President Barack Obama’s $825 billion stimulus bill known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes language proposed by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) for the professional installation of fire/life safety alarms in schools and universities.
The NBFAA-supported language is included in two provisions providing $16 billion to public schools and $4 billion to colleges and universities. The grants can be used toward compliance with fire, health and safety codes, including professional installation of fire/life safety alarms, and modernizations, renovations and repairs that ensure schools are prepared for emergencies, such as improving building infrastructure to accommodate security measures.
NBFAA’s language was originally included in a separate bills last session with the support of Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-NY), the sponsor of life-safety legislation for long-term care, assisted living and nursing homes.
The economic stimulus bill could cross the President’s desk in early February, but first it must pass through the House and Senate.
