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CONCORD - Joined by the family of a five-year-old girl who died when an improperly repaired gas line caused an explosion at their New Hampshire vacation home, Gov. John Lynch today signed "Amilia's Law," requiring the training and licensing of people who work with fuel gas systems.
"Three years ago this week, the Luhrmanns suffered a loss that few families could imagine - the death of five-year-old Amilia from an explosion in their lake house. In the face of that personal tragedy, Amilia's family banded together to work to protect other families and other children. Today is the culmination of several years of their work," Gov. Lynch said.
"Working with fuel gas systems can be dangerous work. And, if not done properly, it can put people at risk, from both gas leak explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. Amilia's law will help ensure that anyone hired to work on, install or repair a fuel gas system will be licensed and will have the appropriate training to do the work safely," Gov. Lynch said.
Also joining Gov. Lynch for today's bill signing was New Hampshire's Fire Marshal Bill Degnan and representatives of New Hampshire's Fire Chiefs Associations, both strongly supported the legislation, as did New Hampshire's Department of Justice.
Amilia's Law puts New Hampshire law in line with the other New England states, which already require training and licensing for fuel gas fitters.
The legislation, House Bill 1711, was sponsored by Rep. Bonnie Mitchell, Rep. Sheila Francouer, Rep. Anthony DiFruscia, and Sen. Joe Kenney.
The legislation takes effect Jan. 1, 2007.
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