D.C. would bar selling battery-only smoke detectors with removable batteries

D.C. would bar selling or installing for pay battery-only smoke detectors with batteries consumers can manually remove, replace, or disable. Offers would also be covered, including for fire alarms and smart home products that run only on batteries and detect smoke. The ban specifies July 1, 2025, but the act would still require mayoral approval or a veto override, 30 days of congressional review, and official publication.

The Mayor would start enforcement after deciding a smoke-detector complaint has merit. Anyone could file a complaint and testify at any resulting hearing or review. Complaints would require a written city form. An inspector would not have to witness the violation. Violations could bring fines up to $500, plus penalties and fees. The act would require mayoral approval or a veto override, a 30-day congressional review, and publication in the D.C. Register.