Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Local Government Committee
HB 1150
Brief Description: Concerning state building code council membership.
Sponsors: Representatives Hoff and Chapman.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Designates the legislative members of the State Building Code Council as voting members.
Hearing Date: 1/19/21
Staff: Kellen Wright (786-7134).
Background:

The State Building Code Council (Council) is a state agency responsible for the adoption of the State Building Code (Code).  The Code establishes the minimum requirements and standards for buildings and facilities constructed in the state.

 

The Council consists of 20 members, 15 voting members and five ex-officio, non-voting members.  The 15 voting members are appointed by the Governor.  Eight voting members represent local government and the public.  These members consist of:  two elected county legislators or executives; two elected city legislators or mayors; one local government building code enforcement official; one local fire service official; and one member with a physical disability.  The remaining seven voting members represent the private sector or professional organizations and are chosen from a list of three nominees provided to the Governor by the organizations.  These members consist of: one commercial and industrial general building construction specialist; one residential and multifamily general building construction specialist; one member from the architectural design profession; one member from the structural engineering profession; one member of the mechanical engineering profession; one member from the construction building trades; and one member from manufacturers, installers, or suppliers of building materials and components.  At least six of the 15 members must live east of the crest of the Cascade Mountains.

 

Of the five remaining ex-officio, non-voting members of the Council, four are state legislators: one member from both caucuses in the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, and one member from both caucuses in the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate.  The final ex-officio member is an employee of the Electrical Division of the Department of Labor and Industries.  These ex-officio members have all privileges and rights of membership aside from voting.

 

Council members generally serve four-year terms, though members may be removed if their employment, whether public or private, ceases or diverges from the roles they fill on the Council.  Members who no longer qualify for the Council may remain as ex-officio, non-voting members until a replacement is appointed.
Summary of Bill:

The state legislative members of the State Building Code Council are voting members.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.