The Union Leader reports Gov. John Lynch of New Hampshire for the second time has vetoed a measure that prevents local government from mandating sprinkler systems in planned one and two family homes as a prerequisite for a permit. The bill would also prevent enforcement of existing regulations that require sprinklers in manufactured homes in communities. The governor thinks that decision should be left to local officials. He vetoed a similar bill last month, but both chambers overruled his veto. Speaker of the House William O’Brien said mandatory sprinklers would put an undue cost on builders. House Majority Leader D. J. Bettencourt, (R-Salem), says, “Our housing industry needs a jump start, not a kick in the gut.”
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