Pennsylvania is accused of violating the Fair Housing Act by requiring automatic sprinklers in community homes.
Justice Dept. sues Pennsylvania over a fire-safety requirement that limits housing options for people with autism or intellectual disabilities
Community home residents live independently and pay for room and board, but have extra assistance and avoid institutionalization. The program is managed through Medicaid.The Justice Department’s lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, takes issue with an additional fire safety requirement that Pennsylvania imposes on community homes, but not on similar housing in which people without disabilities live.
Community homes already have to meet many fire safety requirements, including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, the complaint says. The homes must conduct unannounced fire drills monthly, and all residents must be able to evacuate the house within two and a half minutes in case of a fire emergency.
Pennsylvania has exempted other facilities — including small day cares — from the requirement that they install automatic sprinklers.
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