HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1612

As Passed House:

February 16, 2002

Title:  An act relating to membership on the state building code council.

Brief Description:  Adding an ex officio member to the building code council.

Sponsors:  By Representative Romero; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Local Government & Housing:  1/14/02, 1/31/02 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/16/02, 89-9.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Adds the State Director of Fire Protection, as an ex-officio nonvoting member, to the State Building Code Council.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT & HOUSING

Majority Report:  Do pass. Signed by 8 members: Representatives Dunshee, Chair; Edwards, Vice Chair; Mulliken, Ranking Minority Member; Berkey, DeBolt, Hatfield, Kirby and Sullivan.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation. Signed by 3 members: Representatives Crouse, Dunn and Mielke.

Staff:  Kenny Pittman (786‑7392).

Background:

The State Building Code Council (SBCC) is responsible for the adoption and maintenance of the various uniform codes that comprise the State Building Code.  The State Building Code is a comprehensive set of technical performance standards that guide the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or repair of residential, commercial, and industrial building and structures throughout the state.  The SBCC's duties include reviewing all amendments proposed by counties and cities and either approving or denying amendments that apply to single or multifamily (four or fewer units) residential buildings.

The SBCC consists of 15 members, two who must be county‑elected legislative members or elected executives and two who must be city‑elected legislative body members or mayors.  One member must be a local government building code enforcement official and one of the members must be a fire service official.  The SBCC membership also includes individuals that represent specific specialities within the construction industry.  The SBCC includes five ex‑officio, nonvoting members that consist of two members of the House of Representatives, one from each caucus, two members of the Senate, one from each caucus, and an employee of the Electrical Division of the Department of Labor and Industries.

Summary of Bill:

The ex‑officio, nonvoting membership of the State Building Code Council is increased from five to six with the addition of the State Director of Fire Protection, that is located within the Washington State Patrol.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

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

Testimony For:  It is important that the State Fire Marshal is at the table when the state building codes are being amended or adopted.  This will help insure that the codes are integrated and conflicts between the codes are minimalized.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Mary Caurso, State Fire Marshall.