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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- A new law is on the books in Iowa this year. A revised Iowa building code will require fire sprinklers in new homes starting in 2013. The new code is already the source of intense lobbying. 

Supporters say the new rules will save lives in the state, but construction companies argue that the new code would inflate building costs and could damage the housing market, already frayed by the economy.

Builders want lawmakers to use their authority to override the state building commissioner's decision before it takes effect.

State Representative Mary Gaskill (D-Ottumwa) said that she hopes lawmakers can find middle ground on the issue.

"Well I certainly do believe that we need to look at it and I have read the materials on it and believe that it is something that we need to address. And I think that probably we will look and see if we can find a middle ground somewhere so that it isn't too costly for the residential facilities, particularly the smaller homes. It would seem to me that we need to address that," Representative Gaskill said.

There are 10 Iowa cities that currently require this fire sprinkler mandate. Those cities are in the central part of the state.