NU Online News Service, May 26, 4:06 p.m.EDT

WASHINGTON–Legislation that would provide incentivesfor the adoption and enforcement of statewide building codesthroughout the nation has been introduced in the House.

The bill, H.R. 2592, is sponsored by Rep. Michael Arcuri,D-N.Y., and Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R.-Fla.

It improves upon the current mitigation programs in the RobertT. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (StaffordAct).

It has several components. One would provide additional fundingunder the Stafford Act's hazard mitigation grant program for statesthat adopt and enforce statewide building codes.

It also amends the pre-disaster mitigation grant program toallow states to use PDM funds for building code enforcementprograms prior to a disaster.

The legislation has broad support in the insurance industry,with the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and theAmerican Insurance Association both calling for swift action on thebill.

The legislation was developed by the Building Code Coalition, agroup created by NAMIC to draft a law giving incentives to statesto create or better enforce statewide building codes.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety, based in Tampa,also issued a statement voicing support.

Its officials estimated that under the proposed legislation, 13states would qualify for the additional monies, while 10 additionalstates could qualify with minor legislative modifications.

Another eight states have adopted statewide codes but lackenforcement authorization, IBHS officials said.

Leigh Ann Pusey, president of the American InsuranceAssociation, said, "Every year following a natural disaster, thefederal government and the private sector invest billions ofdollars in disaster relief to rebuild communities."

Ms. Pusey explained that "by taking action before thecatastrophe, homeowners, federal and state governments can mitigatelosses with the adoption and enforcement of building codes."

Kathy Mitchell, federal affairs director for NAMIC, which leadsthe BCC, said stronger, safer buildings for Americans and theirfamilies during natural disasters "can save lives, and ultimatelysave money, reduce property loss and reduce public disasteraid.

Julie Rochman, president and chief executive of the IBHS, saidthe bill is important because standards for construction,code-related inspection and enforcement "vary widely from state tostate."