SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2100

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Government Operations & Elections, February 25, 2004

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

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

Sponsors: Representatives Romero, Veloria and Wallace; by request of Washington State Patrol.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Government Operations & Elections: 3/25/03, 4/4/03 [DP]; 2/25/04 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS & ELECTIONS

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Stevens, Vice Chair; Berkey, Fairley, Horn, Kastama and McCaslin.

Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)

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. 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.

SBCC consists of 15 members, two of whom must be county-elected legislative members or elected county executives and two of whom 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. SBCC membership also includes individuals that represent specific specialities within the construction industry. 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, which 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: The State Fire Marshal has a developed expertise and can provide information and insight regarding adoption and amendment of the state fire code and should be on the State Building Code Council.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: Rep. Romero, prime sponsor; Anjela Foster, WA State Patrol Office of the State Fire Marshal.