Relating to the regulation of fire prevention standards for certain agricultural facilities.

Contracts

• Construction MSAs: Issue change orders immediately for any active construction projects scheduled for completion after September 1, 2025. Remove sprinkler system installation from the scope of work if the facility qualifies.
• Lease Agreements: Review commercial leases for agricultural facilities. If your lease explicitly requires a sprinkler system (independent of local code compliance), this law does not override that private contractual obligation. If the lease only requires "compliance with local ordinances," you are no longer required to install sprinklers.

Hiring/Training

• Facility Management: Train facility managers to challenge local fire inspections. They must be equipped to cite SB1948 if a Fire Marshal attempts to enforce a sprinkler requirement.
• Architects/Contractors: Instruct design teams to remove sprinkler specs from blueprints for future agricultural builds to avoid unnecessary costs during the bidding phase.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Proof of Usage: You must maintain documentation proving the facility is used "primarily for agricultural purposes." Maintain usage logs, inventory records, or tax exemptions (Ag Exemption) to rebut any claims that the facility is commercial (e.g., an event venue).
• Structural Specs: For "Agricultural Pole Barns," retain architectural drawings verifying the structure meets the "70% open wall" requirement to ensure statutory protection.

Fees & Costs

• Capital Savings: Immediate reduction in construction costs for new facilities (elimination of sprinkler materials, labor, and tap fees).
• Insurance Review: Critical Cost Warning. While the government cannot mandate sprinklers, your insurer can. Consult your broker immediately; removing sprinklers may trigger a premium increase that offsets construction savings or could lead to policy cancellation.