THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2628
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the state building code council.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the state building code council was created in 2007 to review and adopt a comprehensive suite of the latest editions of nationally recognized building codes and standards for the State of Hawaii.  However, operating expenses for council staff have never been funded, thereby limiting the effectiveness of the work of the eleven voting members, who include subject matter experts of government and private building industry representatives.

     The legislature further finds that timely updated building codes are necessary to ensure compliance with requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program, hurricane and earthquake resiliency standards, energy efficiency, and technological advances in building materials and methods.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a task force to consider long-term funding for the state building code council, and to appropriate funds to the state building code council for administrative staff positions and administrative rulemaking expenses.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The state building code council shall convene a task force to consider the necessity, potential source, and application of long-term dedicated funding for the council's operations.

     (b)  The task force shall consist of individuals appointed by the state building code council.

     (c)  The state building code council shall be responsible for administering the work of the task force, providing a facilitator, and submitting reports to the legislature.

     (d)  Members of the task force shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

     (e)  The task force shall submit a preliminary report of its findings to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the regular session of 2017, and a final report of its findings and recommendations, including any recommendations for legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the regular session of 2018.

     (f)  The task force shall cease to exist on June 30, 2018.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $150,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for an executive director, an administrative assistant, or contracted service for these two positions, and administrative rulemaking expenses for the state building code council.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of accounting and general services for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

State Building Code Council; Task Force; Operating Expenses; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a task force within the state building code council to consider the necessity, potential source, and application of long-term funding for council operations, and appropriates funds to the council for administrative expenses and staff positions.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.