Adds fuel gas detector (a device that (1) has an assembly that incorporates a sensor and an alarm that detects elevations in propane, natural gas, or a liquified petroleum gas, (2) sounds a warning alarm, (3) is battery-operated, plugged into an electrical outlet, or hardwired, and (4) is approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory) to the definitions provisions of GS 42-40 (pertaining to residential rental agreements). Makes organizational and technical changes.

Expands the landlord’s duties to provide fit premises under GS 42-42 so that the landlord must install a minimum of one operable fuel gas detector in every room of the premises containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas, or a liquified petroleum gas, as specified.  Adds fuel gas detectors to the tenant’s duty of things not to destroy and to notify the landlord of any need for replacement in GS 42-43.  Provide for a civil penalty of not more than $500 if the landlord fails to provide, install, replace, or repair a fuel gas in GS 42-44. Authorizes the State Fire Marshal to impose the civil penalty or to waive the penalty if it was corrected within 10 days after the issuance of a complaint of violation. Directs for penalty proceeds to be remitted to the Civil Penalty and Forfeiture Fund. Allows a tenant’s security deposit to be applied for damage to a fuel gas detector in GS 42-51.

Requires the State Building Code (Code) to include provisions requiring a building owner to install and maintain at least one fuel gas detector, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and as otherwise required by the Code, in each room or area containing an appliance fueled by propane, natural gas, or liquified petroleum gas in the four specified structures in GS 143-138(b25). Authorizes a local government to enforce GS 143-138(b25), inspect buildings and structures subject to GS 143-138(b25), and assess a civil penalty of not more $500 per violation. Provides for waiver of the civil penalty, as described. Makes conforming changes.

Tasks the UNC Board of Governors (GS 116-11) and the State Board of Community Colleges (GS 115D-6.3) with adopting a fuel gas safety policy to be uniformly adopted across each system, addressing the three issues described by July 1, 2027. Requires each UNC constituent institution and community college subject to the policy to implement the policy by no later than July 1, 2030.

Clarifies that notwithstanding GS 143-138(b25) as enacted by the act, a public higher education facility is not required to comply with the public higher education provisions of that subsection until the date by which the applicable institution must  implement the policy adopted pursuant to GS 116-11(3d) or GS 115D-6.3. After that date, compliance with the applicable policy satisfies GS 143-138(b25) to the extent provided in that subsection.

Appropriates $300,000 from the General Fund to the Office of the State Fire Marshal for 2026-27 to implement the act.