Mississippi House Bill HB1166

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Engrossed: 2/13/25
• Failed: 2/17/25

Caption

State Fire Marshal's Office; authorize to approve construction plans for buildings not less than 75 feet tall.

Impact

If enacted, HB1166 would significantly alter the protocols around the construction of taller buildings in Mississippi. By mandating that the State Fire Marshal’s Office review construction plans, the bill helps ensure that all new buildings comply with both the Mississippi Fire Prevention Code and the State Uniform Construction Code. This increased oversight could lead to improvements in overall building safety, particularly in public assembly venues and state-owned structures, thereby safeguarding public welfare.

Summary

House Bill 1166 aims to amend Section 45-11-101 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to enforce stricter compliance for the construction of buildings that are not less than seventy-five feet tall. This legislation requires that construction plans for such buildings be submitted to and approved by the State Fire Marshal’s Office prior to any construction taking place. The intent of the bill is to enhance safety regulations that can potentially prevent construction-related hazards and ensure that building designs meet the state’s fire safety requirements.

Contention

The legislation may encounter opposition regarding the administrative burden it places on building owners and construction companies. Some stakeholders might argue that the requirement for prior approval adds delays and increases costs associated with constructing taller buildings. There may also be concerns about the efficacy of state oversight versus local control, especially in municipalities that have already established their own fire prevention codes.