Bill Bolstering Building Codes Draws Wide Industry Support

Washington

Legislation backed by the insurance industry that would provide incentives for the adoption and enforcement of statewide building codes throughout the nation has been introduced in the House.

The bill–H.R. 2592, sponsored by Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-N.Y., and Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R.-Fla.–improves upon the current mitigation programs in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

The new bill has several components. One would provide additional funding under the Stafford Act's hazard mitigation grant program for states that adopt and enforce statewide building codes.

It also would allow states to use pre-disaster mitigation assistance grant funds for building code enforcement programs prior to a catastrophe.

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

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

The Institute for Business and Home Safety, based in Tampa, also issued a statement voicing support. Its officials estimated that under the proposed legislation, 13 states would qualify for the additional monies, while 10 additional states could qualify with minor legislative modifications.

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

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

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

She explained that "by taking action before the catastrophe, homeowners, federal and state governments can mitigate losses with the adoption and enforcement of building codes."

Kathy Mitchell, federal affairs director for NAMIC, said stronger, safer buildings for Americans and their families during natural disasters "can save lives, and ultimately save money, reduce property loss and reduce public disaster aid."