Rep. Reives files fuel gas detector bill in North Carolina House

A new bill filed by State Rep. Robert T. Reives, II in the North Carolina House aims to improve safety standards by requiring fuel gas detectors in certain buildings, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 1102 on April 29 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Fuel Gas Safety Act.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill requires landlords and building owners to install and maintain at least one approved fuel gas detector in every room or area with an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas or other liquified petroleum gas in covered residential, commercial, multifamily and public higher education buildings. It sets duties for landlords and tenants, allows combination carbon monoxide and fuel gas devices, and authorizes civil penalties of up to $500 per violation for noncompliance, with limited safe harbors for prompt correction. The bill directs UNC and community college governing boards to adopt fuel gas safety policies by July 1, 2027, implement them by July 1, 2030, appropriates $300,000 in one-time funds to the State Fire Marshal to carry out the act, and takes effect when it becomes law.

Reives proposed another 48 bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Reives graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992 with a BA and again in 1995 from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a JD.

Reives, a Democrat, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2014 to represent the state’s 54th House district, replacing previous state representative Deb McManus.