Students who rent housing may be affected by a new state law that went into effect at the beginning of 2006.

The new law increases the number of smoke alarms required in new rental homes in Tennessee. As of Jan. 1, rental homes must include a smoke alarm both on the inside and outside of each bedroom and at least one on each floor. Before 2006, state statute required only one alarm per home.

According to the new law, county electrical inspectors cannot approve new rental construction until the smoke alarm requirements are met.

While existing housing structures are not affected by the law, fire safety advocates stress the importance of keeping smoke detectors in sleeping areas. State officials also recommend carbon monoxide detectors in homes where residents burn fuel or wood.

Nursing homes are now subject to stricter fire code regulations, including additional smoke alarms and a more extensive sprinkler system. The move was prompted by a fatal 2003 nursing home fire in Nashville.

Another law that went into effect Jan. 1 standardizes court fees and costs across the state. The standardization ends dispute between Tennessee’s 95 counties on the methods of calculating court costs. Additionally, as of Jan. 1, amusement park ride operators must obtain permits and carry liability insurance with a $1 million minimum. The permits are to be renewed annually.

The new law comes on the heel of the 2005 death of a woman on an amusement park ride in Pigeon Forge.