Proposed Legislation Supports Building Safety

In an effort to promote increased safety in public buildings, on December 12, 2007 U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana introduced S. 2458 and Congressman Dennis Moore of Kansas introduced H.R. 4461 on Capitol Hill known as the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007, to provide federal grants to building departments to enhance public safety. The grant would provide $100 million per year over five years to help local governments hire, train and equip code officials, including building and fire inspectors.

On July 9 the House passed HR 4461; and referred it to the Senate Banking Committee along with the Senate companion bill, S 2458. The Senate Committee could act on the House or Senate version of the bill. After it passes out of Committee, it goes to the Senate for a vote.

Wisconsin anxiously awaits the potential positive outcome of this legislation that will further promote and strengthen the Wisconsin Building Safety Network. The depth and scope of regulation affecting our residential and commercial building industry clearly calls for continuous training, education and support at the local level of our building and fire officials.

"Too often, especially in smaller communities, there simply aren't sufficient resources for building safety," said International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. "The Code Council has long recognized this need and applauds the vision of Senator Landrieu and Representative Moore for taking the lead in this important effort to provide much-needed funds to local code enforcement departments.

"Safety in homes, schools and all buildings for children, adults and seniors is a priority of every community in America. Congress is stepping forward to act on that priority. Better building through better code enforcement is clearly in the best interests of our country and every community in it."

If approved by Congress, the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act would support hiring and training code officials to help save lives and protect property. It would aid communities that see their resources stretched when they face building booms or major rebuilds after a disaster. Studies show that every dollar invested to build stronger and safer buildings results in savings of $4 to $7 in reduced damages when a disaster occurs.

"As the Gulf Coast recovers from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we must ensure that our communities have the necessary funds to comply with safety standards for new public buildings and homes," Landrieu said. "Currently, no federal funds are designated for building code administration, and as a result, there is widespread lack of enforcement, presenting a major threat to public safety."

"As co-chair of the Congressional Hazards Caucus, I'm well aware of the damaging effects that natural disasters can have on our communities," Moore said. "Our government is supposed to set priorities and invest taxpayer money wisely. I firmly believe that this legislation will help ensure the safety of buildings across the country and ultimately will reduce the cost to the American taxpayer after a disaster."

International Code Council CEO Rick Weiland said, "Code enforcers are on the front lines of public safety. The work they do every day saves lives and protects property."

-- Henry Kosarzycki, AIA