The AIA/WA testified in support of HB 2775, in the Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee on Feb. 23. Previously the AIA/WA testified “with concerns” on HB 2775, regarding membership on the State Building Code Council (SBCC), on Jan. 21.
AIAWA was concerned with a section of the bill that would have made appointments to the SBCC subject to Senate confirmation. Currently members are appointed by the Governor with no confirmation procedure. Subjecting volunteers to confirmation could deter qualified people.
However, the section that mandated Senate confirmation was removed and the AIAWA testified in support of the remainder of the legislation.
HB 2275 will restrict people from representing a specific sector on the SBCC if they are no longer employed in that sector. AIA/WA believes this will ensure that SBCC members are appropriately knowledgeable for their sector.
You can see the AIAWA testimony below.
Showing posts with label state building code council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label state building code council. Show all posts
1.28.2010
AIA Opposes SBCC Move to L&I in Companion Bill
The AIA/WA testified in the Senate Economic Development, Trade & Innovation Committee, yesterday, Jan. 27, regarding Senate Bill 6515. SB 6515 is the companion of HB 2658 which proposes to move the State Building Code Council (SBCC) to the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).
As previously written the AIA/WA opposes the move because there is a conflict between the function of L&I and the role of the SBCC. The SBCC does not conduct any enforcement activities, whereas L&I is enforcement oriented.
And, the AIA/WA is in opposition because the move would be greatly disruptive, while having no fiscal impact on the Department of Commerce (Commerce). SBCC is self-funded through fees.
The AIA|WA recommended SBCC remain at Commerce, but if it must be moved, that it be transferred the Department of General Administration (GA). GA has division of Engineering and Architecture services that deals with, and understands, codes and development rules. The suggestion was well received by the Committee.
You can see testimony by AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, below.
As previously written the AIA/WA opposes the move because there is a conflict between the function of L&I and the role of the SBCC. The SBCC does not conduct any enforcement activities, whereas L&I is enforcement oriented.
And, the AIA/WA is in opposition because the move would be greatly disruptive, while having no fiscal impact on the Department of Commerce (Commerce). SBCC is self-funded through fees.
The AIA|WA recommended SBCC remain at Commerce, but if it must be moved, that it be transferred the Department of General Administration (GA). GA has division of Engineering and Architecture services that deals with, and understands, codes and development rules. The suggestion was well received by the Committee.
You can see testimony by AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, below.
1.22.2010
Another Bill Aims to Change the SBCC
The State Building Code Council (SBCC) continues to be under fire in the legislature. The AIA/WA testified on HB 2775, regarding membership on the state building code council, yesterday, Jan. 21 in the House Local Government & Housing Committee.
Portions of the bill seek to change the appointment process for members of the SBCC. HB 2775 would make appointments subject to Senate confirmation. Currently members are appointed by the Governor with no confirmation procedure. Subjecting volunteers to confirmation could deter qualified and necessary people from serving on the SBCC.
HB 2775 would also put restriction on board members appointed to represent a specific sector, if they are not longer employed in that sector. This element of the bill is supported by the AIA/WA as it will ensure that SBCC members are appropriately knowledgeable for their sector.
You can see the AIA/WA testimony below.
Portions of the bill seek to change the appointment process for members of the SBCC. HB 2775 would make appointments subject to Senate confirmation. Currently members are appointed by the Governor with no confirmation procedure. Subjecting volunteers to confirmation could deter qualified and necessary people from serving on the SBCC.
HB 2775 would also put restriction on board members appointed to represent a specific sector, if they are not longer employed in that sector. This element of the bill is supported by the AIA/WA as it will ensure that SBCC members are appropriately knowledgeable for their sector.
You can see the AIA/WA testimony below.
1.20.2010
AIA|WA Opposes Move of SBCC to Labor and Industries
The AIA/WA testified in the House Community, Economic Development, Trade Committee today, Jan. 20, regarding HB 2658. Section eight of HB 2658 proposes to move the State Building Code Council (SBCC) to the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).
Primarily, the AIA/WA opposes the move because there is a conflict between the function of L&I and the role of the SBCC. The SBCC does not conduct any enforcement activities. Whereas, L&I is enforcement oriented. In order to be effective the SBCC must combine divergent views to create codes that are proper, safe and able to be implemented; this requires independence from enforcement.
The AIA/WA is also opposed because this transfer is unnecessary to save funds and could be greatly disruptive. The SBCC is self-funded through fees so this move has no fiscal impact. Currently, the SBCC is successful in the Department of Commerce, especially in regard to the synergy it has created with energy efficiency programs.
This was not a shift that was determined by a stakeholder process, unlike other changes suggested in the legislation. You can see testimony by AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, below.
Primarily, the AIA/WA opposes the move because there is a conflict between the function of L&I and the role of the SBCC. The SBCC does not conduct any enforcement activities. Whereas, L&I is enforcement oriented. In order to be effective the SBCC must combine divergent views to create codes that are proper, safe and able to be implemented; this requires independence from enforcement.
The AIA/WA is also opposed because this transfer is unnecessary to save funds and could be greatly disruptive. The SBCC is self-funded through fees so this move has no fiscal impact. Currently, the SBCC is successful in the Department of Commerce, especially in regard to the synergy it has created with energy efficiency programs.
This was not a shift that was determined by a stakeholder process, unlike other changes suggested in the legislation. You can see testimony by AIA/WA Executive Director, Stan Bowman, below.
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