Maryland Bans Sale of Non-Arc-Resistant CSST: “Flynn and Laird Act” Expanded to Close Loophole
New Requirements Took Effect June 1, 2025, to Protect Public and Firefighters
STATEWIDE (August 5, 2025) - Effective June 1, 2025, the sale, distribution, transfer, or installation of non–arc–resistant yellow-jacketed Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) was prohibited in Maryland under House Bill 222 and Senate Bill 175, as an update to the 2022 Flynn and Laird Act. Governor Wes Moore signed the expanded law to close a loophole in the original 2022 legislation. The prohibition now eliminates the sale of all non-arc-resistant CSST products, even those on store shelves.
The original law was named in memory of Battalion Chief Joshua Laird (Frederick County) and Firefighter Nathan Flynn (Howard County), who were both killed in CSST-related structure fires. The Flynn and Laird Act is an effort to ensure that only arc-resistant CSST is used across Maryland.
Why This Law Matters
Yellow-jacketed CSST, commonly used to carry natural gas or propane in buildings, is vulnerable to electrical arcing during lightning strikes. This can result in fires within a home's concealed spaces, posing an often-invisible threat to the public and a deadly hazard to firefighters as it quickly deteriorates the structure's integrity.
While Maryland's original 2022 legislation restricted CSST use in new construction and major renovations, it did not prohibit the continued sale or distribution of non-arc-resistant products. The 2025 expansion addresses that oversight.
Who Needs to Take Action?
Retailers and Distributors:
- Review and remove any non–arc–resistant yellow CSST from your inventory immediately.
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Ongoing sale or transfer after June 1, 2025, may result in civil penalties up to $1,000.
Contractors and Renovators:
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Ensure that only compliant arc-resistant CSST is used for any installation or replacement.
- Verify product certifications to meet the updated standard.
Homeowners and Consumers:
- If you are planning a renovation or gas line installation, ask your contractor to confirm that they use code-compliant, arc-resistant CSST.
A Collaborative Effort for Safer Communities
The passage and strengthening of the Flynn and Laird Act reflect years of advocacy and cooperation among Maryland state agencies, Counties, the fire service, lawmakers, and the families of Laird and Flynn. Their dedication to fire prevention and code reform has turned personal tragedy into statewide action to protect future lives.
"This law is not just about materials—it's about honoring the sacrifice of two brave men," said Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. "It's a promise to every firefighter and every Maryland family that we're doing everything possible to prevent this from happening again."
Over the coming months, guidance documents and educational materials will be distributed to retailers and licensed contractors. The Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Department of Labor are leading a Statewide workgroup to conduct research on commonly used fuel gas piping systems to prevent fire hazards and future fires.
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The
Office of the State Fire Marshal is an agency of the Department of
State Police dedicated to helping protect citizens from fire and
explosion through a comprehensive program of education,
inspection, investigation and fire protection engineering. For more
information on fire safety call 1-800-525-3124, log onto our website at: Maryland State Fire Marshal and/or our Facebook Page.
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