6.__Rules.__The Finance Authority of Maine shall adopt routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II-A to implement this section.

Sec. 2. Compliance schedule. A dormitory that exists on the effective date of this Act must comply with the provisions of this Act within 5 years of the effective date of this Act in accordance with the following schedule:

1. An educational institution that has no more than 2 dormitories must comply with this Act within 3 years of the effective date of this Act; and

2. An educational institution that has 3 or more dormitories must comply with the provisions of this Act within 5 years of the effective date of this Act.

Sec. 3. Reports. The Department of Public Safety, Office of State Fire Marshal shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over criminal justice matters every 2 years by January 1st beginning in 2003 concerning compliance with this Act.

SUMMARY

Automatic fire suppression systems installed in buildings are proven to be a very effective method of preventing injury, death and widespread property damage. The safety of student housed in dormitories of educational institutions is a particularly vital concern. This bill requires all dormitories of public and private secondary and postsecondary educational institutions to be equipped with automatic sprinkler systems within 5 years and establishes a fund to provide 10-year, low-interest loans to help the educational institutions meet this requirement.