Changing the NEC to require AFCI's will happen eventually, what really needs to be done is the NEC require that all US built houses be wired by licensed electricians. In my jurisdiction (Local 688) half of the counties have no building department so changing the NEC will still be ignored by Home Store electricians or local builders who "know enough to be dangerous". Trying to get the local and state government to step in is nearly impossible because of the ingrained mind set of years gone by. " We don't want building departments telling us what to do" is a common quote come voting time when even trying to get the issue on a ballot. Public safety is the main reason for the NEC but when areas are not forced to follow it, what good is the document?