SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5754

                    As of February 17, 1999

Title:  An act relating to building codes.

Brief Description:  Revising building code law.

Sponsors:  Senators Heavey, Winsley, T. Sheldon, Hochstatter, Gardner, Benton, Prentice and Goings.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  2/25/99.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background:  The plumbing trade is regulated by the Department of Labor and Industries.  No one may engage in the trade of plumbing without first having a certificate or permit from the department.  The five-member Advisory Board of Plumbers administers the matters concerning plumbing under the department=s jurisdiction.  All members of the advisory board are appointed by the Governor and must be either familiar with or in the business or trade of plumbing.

The State Building Code Council adopts and maintains the State Building Code as directed by the authorizing statutes.  The council consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor, none of whom is specifically designated to represent the plumbing trade.  There is one member representing the construction building trades, one representing manufacturers, installers or suppliers of building materials components and one representing the general public.  The State Building Code consists of several uniform codes, including the Uniform Building Code, Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Plumbing Code.

Summary of Bill:  The Uniform Plumbing Code is removed from the State Building Code Council=s jurisdiction.  The Advisory Board of Plumbers under the Department of Labor and Industries is given the additional duty to adopt and maintain the Uniform Plumbing Code under the same statutory direction as is now followed by the State Building Code Council.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 17, 1999.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.