State Legislation
In states across the country, lawmakers are considering bills to strengthen residential safety by requiring natural gas alarms in homes and apartments with natural gas service. This page introduces catalyst events, national safety recommendations, and current bills under consideration in state legislatures.
Leading by Example: New York City and Maine Mandate Natural Gas Alarms
Natural gas incidents occur in communities across every state, but most homes lack gas alarms and most states have yet to require them. New York City and Maine were the first to address this critical gap in home safety by mandating the use of natural gas alarms, and they remain a prime example of how smart policy can aid in creating safer communities.
New York City Local Law 157
LL157 is a New York City ordinance that now requires natural gas alarms be installed in every room a gas appliance exists by January 1, 2027
In March 2014 a natural gas explosion destroyed two adjacent five-story buildings in East Harlem, killing eight people and injuring more than 50 others. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the cause of the explosion was due to “failure of a defective fusion joint at the service tee… that allowed natural gas to leak from the gas main and migrate into the building where it ignited.” Residents smelled gas for over 20 hours prior to the explosion but did not report it in time to prevent the explosion.
One year later, in March 2015, 3 buildings collapsed, 2 people were killed, and at least 19 others were injured in a gas explosion in the East Village. The explosion was caused by an illegal tap into a gas main that had been siphoning gas to apartments. A restaurant owner in the building smelled gas the day of the explosion and reported it to the landlord, but neither notified the utility. In both instances, natural gas alarms may have prevented these catastrophic explosions.
Local Law 157 was passed in 2016 to prevent another tragedy. It requires alarms in Class A buildings (condos, co-ops, multifamily rental buildings, and one- and two-family houses), Class B multiple dwellings (transient housing properties like hotels, dorms, and boarding houses), and private dwellings. Buildings without gas lines or gas service are exempt.
Maine Fuel Gas Detector Law
In September 2019, emergency responders in Farmington, Maine, arrived at the Life Enrichment Advancing People (LEAP) nonprofit building to investigate reports of a gas odor. Moments later, a powerful explosion leveled the structure, killing one firefighter and injuring six others along with a LEAP employee. The blast reduced the building to rubble and caused significant damage to surrounding homes and businesses.
Franklin County Sheriff Scott Nichols, reflecting on the scene, described it as “just total devastation... I’ve never seen anything like this before in my life, except overseas. It was horrible.”
In response to this tragic event, Maine enacted the nation’s first state law requiring fuel gas detectors. Modeled closely after New York City’s groundbreaking ordinance, the Maine law mandates the installation of approved alarms in multi-family housing, hotels, and business occupancies, specifically in any room containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas. It marked a critical turning point in recognizing gas detection as an essential element of public safety.
A Pennsylvania Wake-Up Call: West Reading Prompts New National Recommendations
In March 2023, a natural gas explosion at the R.M. Palmer candy factory in West Reading, Pennsylvania, killed seven workers and injured ten more. Employees had smelled gas but, unaware of the danger, attempted to locate the source themselves rather than evacuating and calling 911. Minutes later, the building exploded.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a full investigation and concluded that natural gas had leaked into the factory’s basement and ignited. The NTSB’s final report urged all 50 states to mandate gas alarms in commercial and residential buildings, just as they already require smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Fuel Gas Alarm Legislation Gets Added Momentum in Pennsylvania
Legislative momentum continues to build in Pennsylvania as Senator Judy Schwank (D–Reading) has introduced companion fuel gas alarm legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate (SB 1128), closely aligned with House Bill 1522. The introduction of this Senate legislation reflects growing awareness and engagement around the need for improved natural gas safety protections across the Commonwealth and represents another meaningful step forward in Pennsylvania’s legislative progress on this issue.
Read the bill here
Illinois Eyes New Gas Safety Legislation
Illinois is taking steps toward stronger natural gas safety. House Bill 3652 (HB.3652), known as the Fuel Gas Detector Act, would require the installation of natural gas alarms in newly constructed homes and certain existing buildings that use gas-powered appliances. The goal is to help residents detect gas leaks early - before they become dangerous.
Although the bill has already passed the Illinois House, it has not yet become law and remains under review in the Senate. If enacted, it would bring Illinois in line with growing national efforts to promote household gas safety. Residents are encouraged to stay ahead of potential requirements by installing certified natural gas alarms now, protecting their homes and loved ones before the mandate takes effect.
To voice your support for the bill, use this map to identify your state senator and send a quick email explaining why this bill matters to you.
State Legislative Efforts
In the wake of recent tragedies and growing recognition of the need for earlier gas leak detection, state legislatures across the country are beginning to act. From urban centers to rural communities, lawmakers are introducing bills that would require natural gas alarms in homes, apartments, and other buildings served by natural gas. These proposals reflect a growing consensus that natural gas detection must be treated as a standard component of residential safety on par with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Momentum is building, and states have a clear opportunity to lead on life-saving policy.
Legislation Tracker
Click the highlighted states on the map below to view the legislation status and information.
States to Watch: Pushing Natural Gas Safety Forward
As national awareness grows, several states are emerging as leaders in advancing natural gas safety. Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts have introduced strong legislation and are rallying support for meaningful reform in the 2025 session.
Illinois
HB.3652 has passed the House! The bill would require fuel gas alarms to be installed in buildings that use gas appliances, including homes, apartment buildings, businesses, and institutions. The alarms must meet national safety standards and be certified by a recognized testing agency (like UL or ETL). All buildings must comply by January 1, 2028. A state fund will help low-income households get alarms for free or at a reduced cost.
To voice your support for the bill, use this map to identify your state senator and send a quick email explaining why this bill matters to you.
Pennsylvania
The Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee in the Pennsylvania House is expected to hold a hearing on HB.1522 in the fall. Spurred by the tragedy of West Reading, this important bill proposes to require fuel gas detectors in residential and commercial buildings that have gas-burning appliances.
Your voice can make a difference! Contact committee members to express your support for the bill.
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Legislative momentum continues to build in Pennsylvania as Senator Judy Schwank (D–Reading) has introduced companion fuel gas alarm legislation in the Pennsylvania Senate (SB 1128), closely aligned with House Bill 1522. The introduction of this Senate legislation reflects growing awareness and engagement around the need for improved natural gas safety protections across the Commonwealth and represents another meaningful step forward in Pennsylvania’s legislative progress on this issue.
Read the bill here
Massachusetts
Massachusetts SB.1710 is gaining momentum and your voice can help move it forward. This important bill would require the installation of explosive gas sensor devices in residential buildings to protect residents from dangerous gas leaks. It is currently awaiting a hearing in the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security. Let committee members know this bill matters!
Take a moment to call or email and share why natural gas safety is a critical issue for all Massachusetts families. Your outreach can make the difference in bringing this life-saving legislation to a vote.
Make your voice heard! Use our ready-to-send email and phone scripts to quickly contact your state legislators and urge them to support gas alarm bills. Click below to take action today.
Mississippi
Mississippi has taken an important step toward improving fuel gas safety. House Bill 1091 (HB 1091) has been formally introduced in the 2026 Regular Session of the Mississippi House of Representatives and is currently active.
If enacted, HB 1091 would require certain dwelling units to install fuel gas sensor devices, helping provide earlier warning of dangerous fuel gas leaks before they escalate into catastrophic events. The bill also establishes enforcement authority through the Mississippi State Fire Marshal, signaling a statewide commitment to life-safety and prevention.
The legislation was introduced in the House Insurance Committee and is authored by Representative Daryl Porter Jr. The bill currently lists an effective date of July 1, 2026, though this date—and the bill language itself—may evolve as it moves through the legislative process.
This introduction reflects growing momentum across the country to address the risks of fuel gas leaks through proactive detection and education.
