Rhode Island House Bill H7749

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/22
• Refer: 3/2/22

Caption

State Building Code -- Administration And Enforcement

Impact

The proposed changes in HB H7749 intend to empower the building code standards committee to adopt necessary codes without the delays that often come from legislative review. This could lead to quicker implementation of building codes that align with or incorporate nationally recognized standards, thus potentially enhancing public health and safety. By eliminating the legislative oversight, the bill emphasizes the need for efficiency in response to evolving building technologies and safety requirements.

Summary

House Bill H7749 pertains to the administration and enforcement of the State Building Code in Rhode Island. The bill proposes a significant restructuring of the legislative oversight of building regulations. Specifically, it seeks to remove the requirement for codes and standards adopted by the state building code standards committee to undergo approval by a legislative regulation committee. This change aims to streamline the process of adopting building standards and foster a more efficient regulatory environment.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics might argue that removing legislative approval could lead to a lack of accountability within the building standards committee, potentially resulting in the adoption of codes that may not adequately consider public concerns or local conditions. Proponents, however, would argue that this move removes unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, allowing for quicker adaptation to new safety standards and innovations in building practices. The balance between efficiency and accountability is a central theme in discussions surrounding this bill.