Connecticut House Bill HB05866

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Recycling And Reuse Of Defective Concrete.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, would require amendments to the general statutes focusing on construction materials, placing greater restrictions on the use of concrete in public and private construction projects. This can lead to higher costs for builders and contractors who will need to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Additionally, it aims to reduce the risk of infrastructure failures due to the use of unsafe materials, thereby potentially lowering the burden on public relief resources in case of structural failures.

Summary

House Bill 05866 aims to prohibit the recycling and reuse of concrete that contains pyrrhotite, a mineral known to cause significant structural damage when present in concrete mixes. The intent of this legislation is to safeguard public safety and to impose stricter standards on construction materials to prevent defective concrete from being utilized in construction projects. With the encouragement of representatives such as Rep. Vail and Rep. Delnicki, the bill addresses a critical issue that has surfaced in various states where defective concrete has led to substantial economic losses and safety concerns.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB05866 may arise around the enforcement of the prohibition and the implications for the construction industry. Critics of the bill might argue that such regulations could impose excessive costs on contractors and builders, especially smaller companies that may find it burdensome to comply with strict limitations on materials. Moreover, the practical challenges of identifying pyrrhotite in concrete mixes could lead to disputes over compliance and the legality of existing constructions presumed to be safe.