The Community Building Code Administration Grant (CBCAG) Act reached a milestone when members of the U.S. House of Representatives passed the legislation on a voice vote. Typically‚ legislation that is not considered controversial is referred to a voice vote and recorded as passing with a two-thirds majority. CBCAG Act sponsor Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS) presented the bill and Rep. Shelley Capito (R-WV) spoke in support for the minority.
“We are very excited that the House of Representatives has passed the CBCAG Act‚” said Code Council CEO Rick Weiland. “This legislation provides desperately needed resources to many vulnerable communities that do not have the trained personnel or tools to translate safety codes into proper compliance. With the bill moving through the Senate‚ we are inching closer to the major goal of supporting our First Preventers in the vital roles they play in protecting the public through implementation of building and fire safety.”
“Government at all levels is recognizing the central role in public safety preformed by code adoption and code compliance‚” said Steve Shapiro‚ President of the Code Council Board of Directors and himself a code official in Virginia. “The safety value of building and fire codes as well as the essential job done by code officials‚ America’s First Preventers‚ to prevent harm to people and property come into sharper focus when lawmakers consider how best to protect the public at home‚ at school‚ at work and at play.”
The legislation now goes to the Senate‚ where it is expected to be referred to the Banking Committee and where the Senate’s version of the bill is now being considered. The Banking Committee could act on the House or Senate version of the bill before it passes out of committee and goes to the full Senate for a vote.
“Now that the CBCAG Act has been passed by the House of Representatives‚ we encourage all of our nation’s First Preventers and local organizations to continue their effective mobilization of grassroots support for the legislation‚” said Sara Yerkes‚ Code Council Senior Vice President for Government Relations. “Please contact your senators and other government leaders and urge them to support this important legislation that will improve code compliance and greatly strengthen public safety in communities nationwide.”
Send your message of support for the CBCAG Act.