Requests the Louisiana State Licensing Board of Contractors and the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to study and report to the legislature information and recommendations regarding adoption of the fortified roof building standards into the building codes for the coastal zone
Impact
If implemented, incorporating FORTIFIED Roof standards into local building codes could significantly improve the structural integrity of homes in hurricane-prone areas of Louisiana. This legislative action aims to provide a safer housing stock that not only mitigates damage during storms but also makes it more attractive for insurance companies to operate in the state, potentially lowering insurance premiums for homeowners who comply with these standards. The resolution notes that homes built or retrofitted to these standards demonstrate enhanced resistance to hurricane-related damage, thereby ensuring more affordable insurance options for policyholders.
Summary
House Resolution No. 382 requests the Louisiana State Licensing Board of Contractors and the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to study and report back to the legislature about the possible adoption of the FORTIFIED Roof building standards into the building codes specifically within Louisiana's coastal zone. These building standards are designed to enhance the resilience of roofs against hurricane winds, providing homeowners with greater protection during severe weather events. The resolution makes a case for the urgency of this study by highlighting the extensive damage wrought by past hurricanes, resulting in a significant homeowners' insurance crisis in the state.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR 382 appears largely positive with widespread recognition of the need for improved building measures in hurricane-prone areas. Proponents, including legislators and advocacy groups for homeowners, generally advocate for such standards, underscoring that they can lead to enhanced protection and financial benefits for residents. However, the sentiment may be cautiously optimistic, as it hinges on the outcome of the requested study and subsequent legislative actions based on those findings.
Contention
While the resolution is directed towards study and recommendations, potential contentions may arise during the implementation phase about the cost implications of retrofitting homes to meet FORTIFIED standards. Homeowners may be cautious about the financial burden associated with such upgrades, despite the long-term benefits indicated. Additionally, the necessity of ensuring that contractors are adequately trained and certified to install these standards introduces a layer of complexity regarding professional qualifications and industry standards that might provoke concerns among construction professionals and trade organizations.
Urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to study and make recommendations on ways to increase urban forestry in the state.
Directs the Louisiana Department of Health to study and make recommendations to the legislature on how to reduce the number of licensing boards of health professions
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to work with the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to study and make recommendations to establish a more efficient process for licensing nondiagnostic technicians
Requests the Louisiana Department of Health to create a task force to study, identify, and make recommendations to address the specialist physician shortage in the state
Requests the State Licensing Board for Contractors and the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council to study and report to the legislature findings and recommendations regarding adoption of the fortified roof building standards into the building codes for the coastal zone.
Requests the Louisiana Department of Insurance to conduct a comprehensive study on incentives and standard benchmarks for integration into the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program
Urges and requests the La. Housing Corporation to consider emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency characteristics when implementing design criteria for housing developments competing for funding in programs administered by the corporation office and to explore sources of federal funds to retrofit existing buildings with these same design criteria
Urges and requests the La. Housing Corporation to consider emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency characteristics when implementing design criteria for housing developments competing for funding in programs administered by the corporation and to explore sources of federal funds to retrofit existing buildings with these same design criteria