Today, the Senate Government Operations and Elections Committee heard testimony on SB 5892. This bill would create new liability for county and city building inspectors when the lack of inspection or enforcement of the building code results in damage to property. The bill states, “A county or city is liable for damages caused by their negligent failure to enforce the provisions of the state building code. The liability of a county or city is limited to fifty percent of the actual damages proved.”
The AIA Washington Council signed-in as being opposed to the bill. AIA member John Neff, AIA, testified against the bill in his role as a city building official. To listen to the hearing, go to www.tvw.org and enter the bill number in the search engine.
