HLS 11RS-1975 ENGROSSED
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Regular Session, 2011
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 53
BY REPRESENTATIVE GISCLAIR
BUILDING CODES: Directs the La. State Uniform Construction Code Council to study
and recommend changes to the state uniform construction code
A RESOLUTION1
To direct the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to study and report to the2
House Committee on Commerce a list of recommended statutory changes to be made3
to the state uniform construction code to better meet the needs of the citizens of4
Louisiana.5
WHEREAS, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Louisiana6
Legislature found it necessary to adopt mandatory construction standards; and7
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Legislature promulgated a state uniform construction8
code to govern the construction, reconstruction, alteration, and repair of buildings and other9
structures and the installation of mechanical devices and equipment therein; and10
WHEREAS, the public policy of Louisiana is to maintain reasonable standards of11
construction in buildings and other structures in the state consistent with the public health,12
safety, and welfare of its citizens; and13
WHEREAS, the adoption of a statewide building code was needed for the safety and14
security of the people of Louisiana in the event of future hurricanes; and15
WHEREAS, the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code establishes uniform16
performance standards providing reasonable safeguards for health, safety, welfare, comfort,17
and security balanced with affordability for the residents of Louisiana who are occupants and18
users of buildings and provides for the use of modern methods, devices, materials, and19
techniques; and 20 HLS 11RS-1975 ENGROSSED
HR NO. 53
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WHEREAS, the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code encourages the use of1
construction materials of the greatest durability and lower long-term costs and provides2
greater storm resistance; and 3
WHEREAS, as a result of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Gustav, there is an4
abundance of new construction occurring in Louisiana; and5
WHEREAS, the primary function of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code6
Council is to review and adopt the state uniform construction code, provide for training and7
education of code officials, and accept all requests for amendments of the code, except the8
Louisiana State Plumbing Code [Part XIV (Plumbing) of the State Sanitary Code]; and9
WHEREAS, specifically, the council is required by law to establish the requirements10
and process for the certification and continuing education of code enforcement officers, code11
enforcement inspectors, and building officials and to determine if any amendments to the12
state uniform construction code are justified; and13
WHEREAS, if the council determines that an amendment is justified, it may enact14
such an amendment after a finding on the record that the modification provides a reasonable15
degree of public health, safety, affordability, and welfare; and 16
WHEREAS, the council is required by law to submit the updated state uniform17
construction code to the House Committee on Commerce and the Senate Committee on18
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs for oversight and approval; and19
WHEREAS, additionally, the council shall provide the members of each house of the20
legislature a summary of the major proposed changes to the International Residential Code21
at the time of submission to the oversight committees; and22
WHEREAS, there have been numerous additions and changes made to the state23
uniform construction code since it was originally enacted in 2005; and24
WHEREAS, the changes to the state uniform construction code can have a significant25
impact on the cost of constructing a residential dwelling or commercial building; and26
WHEREAS, especially during an economic downturn, it is incumbent upon the27
leadership of this state to assist its citizens by ensuring that the laws, rules, and regulations28
of this state meet the goal of providing a reasonable degree of public health, safety,29
affordability, and welfare.30 HLS 11RS-1975 ENGROSSED
HR NO. 53
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the1
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby direct the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code2
Council to study and report to the House Committee on Commerce a list of recommended3
statutory changes to be made to the state uniform construction code to better meet the needs4
of the citizens of Louisiana no later than January 1, 2012.5
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the Legislature6
of Louisiana does hereby direct the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to7
provide a copy of the report to each member of the House of Representatives.8
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the9
Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council.10
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Gisclair HR No. 53
Directs the La. State Uniform Construction Code Council to study and report to the House
Committee on Commerce a list of recommended statutory changes to be made to the state
uniform construction code to better meet the needs of the citizens of La. no later than Jan.
1, 2012. Also directs the council to provide a copy of the report to all members of the House
of Representatives.