All buildings used as dormitories, in whole or in part, to house students at a public or private school or public or private institution of higher education within the State shall be equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system in accord with the provisions of this chapter by July 9, 2009. This provision also requires the retrofitting of all existing buildings used as dormitories, in whole or in part, which do not have an existing automatic fire suppression system by July 9, 2009.