EMan,
I wonder if that is going to be a common interpretation. On Long Island (Suffolk County) it is being interpreted as being required in New Construction only. Additionally, they have already decided that the Smoke Detectors in Bedrooms are a Life-Safety issue and will leave AFCI protection on these at the option of the Electrician or Consumer. BTW, NY, as a State is still oficially on the 1996 NEC.
Bill
