Governor Hassan's Veto Message Regarding HB 533

Governor Maggie Hassan released the following message after today vetoing House Bill 533:

"By the authority vested in me, pursuant to part II, Article 44 of the New Hampshire Constitution, on June 9, 2016, I have vetoed House Bill 533, relative to installation requirements for arc-fault circuit interrupters.

"Arc-fault protection is a significant advancement in electrical system technology that helps prevent fires from overheated and arcing wires, potentially saving lives and preventing property loss. House Bill 533 would allow an exemption to the use of arc-fault circuit interrupters after repeated tripping and after determination that the branch circuit is the not cause. However, this bill does not take into consideration what the actual cause of the nuisance tripping is, potentially reducing the level of fire protection in homes and threatening public safety.

"Arc-fault protection can reduce the chance of an electrical fire occurring. Simply switching the arc-fault protection to another device without this protection against fires -- without understanding the root cause of the electrical system issues -- takes away from New Hampshire families an important protection of the electrical code that works and helps save lives.

"Additionally, New Hampshire has established a State Building Code Review Board to ensure the technical expertise of professionals is an important part of our process when considering changes to the building code. That process was not followed in this case, and in fact, the Building Code Review Board opposes this legislation.

"The State Fire Marshal, the New Hampshire State Building Code Review Board, the New Hampshire Building Officials Association, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 490, the Electrical Safety Foundation International, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the National Fire Protection Association and dozens of advocates who have been victims of severe and debilitating burns have expressed opposition to this bill, rejecting the need to scale back successful technology that help save lives.

"Because this measure could jeopardize the safety of our families, I have vetoed House Bill 533."

Source