Louisiana House Bill HCR35

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/24/14
• Refer: 3/25/14
• Report Pass: 4/1/14
• Engrossed: 4/14/14
• Refer: 4/15/14
• Refer: 4/23/14

Caption

Repeals the plumbing provisions of the state Sanitary Code

Impact

Should HCR35 pass and House Bill No. 1048 also be enacted, it would remove the existing Louisiana plumbing regulations in favor of the aforementioned international codes. This transition aims to standardize plumbing requirements across Louisiana, potentially streamlining the construction process and aligning state laws with national standards. The bill explicitly states that if House Bill No. 1048 does not become law, then HCR35 would become null and void, thereby maintaining the current state regulations until further legislative action.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 35 (HCR35) proposes the repeal of the plumbing provisions outlined in Part XIV of Title 51 of the Louisiana Administrative Code. This section pertains to the state plumbing code which was initially promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals with the aim of ensuring safe building plumbing systems. HCR35 directs the office of the State Register to implement this repeal, which would take effect sixty days after the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council adopts the International Plumbing Code, International Building Code, and International Residential Code as part of the State Uniform Construction Code.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR35 appears largely positive, as indicated by the unanimous support reflected in the voting record, with 94 yeas and 0 nays during the House Vote on HCR35. This suggests a consensus among legislators regarding the benefits of adopting a standardized plumbing code based on international guidelines. However, there may be underlying concerns regarding the adequacy of these international codes to address unique local issues, which could become a point of discussion.

Contention

Despite its passage, there could be contention regarding the adequacy of the International Plumbing Code to meet local conditions and safety needs. Critics may argue that local regulations offered specific advantages tailored to Louisiana's distinct climatic and infrastructural challenges. Consequently, the repeal could spark debates on the balance between standardization and the necessity for local regulations designed to respond to specific community needs, particularly in matters related to public health and safety.