La. Senate Passes Building Code Bill; PCI Urges House to do the Same

The Louisiana Senate took the first steps in ensuring the rebuilding of a stronger Louisiana by passing legislation that will create a mandatory and uniform statewide building code. During the second week of a special session of the Louisiana Legislature, SB 44 was passed last night by a 26-11 vote in the Senate, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.

“We are very encouraged by the priority and steadfast attention Louisiana legislators have given to creating and passing this necessary and long-overdue legislation,” said Greg LaCost, assistant vice president, regional manager and counsel for PCI. “This marks the first step in the process of getting meaningful, useful legislation enacted in Louisiana. We hope diligence to this issue will continue so legislation can be passed and the rebuilding of a stronger, more structurally and stable Louisiana can begin.”

As a part of the coalition of Constructing a Stronger Louisiana, PCI has been instrumental in working with state lawmakers in crafting meaningful building codes legislation. And while Louisiana is currently at the center of the building codes debate, PCI is urging the implementation and enforcement of a federal building codes program to ensure that the next hurricane will not cause the same or increased damage and loss of lives in Louisiana and other states.

“All citizens will benefit from the establishment and enforcement of stricter building codes,” added LaCost. “Stronger building codes result in the construction of safe and durable structures which will reduce economic losses to homes, businesses and cities and, more importantly, they will save lives.”