Rep. Cruz introduces bill that reforms State Building Code Office
Bill is part of Speaker Shekarchi’s 2024 legislative package addressing the housing crisis in Rhode Island
STATE HOUSE – Rep. Cherie L. Cruz has introduced legislation (2024-H 7983) that would clarify the makeup and structure of the State Building Code Office, and also clarifies the role of the State Building Code Commissioner. The bill is part of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi’s (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) 15-bill package of legislation to address Rhode Island’s housing crisis.
“For too long, much-needed housing production has been stifled due to complex levels of state and municipal red tape, often resulting from varying and different building code rules across our cities and towns. This bill will simplify and centralize building code issues which will in turn make housing production easier and more uniform. The housing crisis is significantly hurting our residents and this legislation is a good step toward building the housing that our state desperately needs,” said Representative Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket).
The legislation modifies statutory language to create a similar scope of responsibility and authority over building code issues, as the State Fire Marshal has over the fire code issues. It also would establish a building code education and training unit to educate building officials and inspectors statewide.
The legislation has been referred to the House Municipal Government and Housing Committee and is scheduled to be heard tomorrow, Tuesday, March 12 at the Rise of the House in Room 101 of the State House.
