NAMIC, IIAA Join in Support for Stronger Building Code Legislation

Legislation designed to encourage communities to establish and enforce strong building codes by offering federal grants was adopted yesterday by the House Financial Services Committee and has garnered the support of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) and the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA). The PCI had also voiced its support of the legislation (as reported yesterday in the Daily NewsFlash). 
 
“Strong building codes are crucial to protect homes, businesses, and lives during natural catastrophes, but cities and counties often lack the resources to enforce them,” said Justin Roth, NAMIC senior federal affairs director. “This legislation will provide much-needed funds to encourage states to promote safer buildings.” 
 
States typically must rely on building permit fees and general funding to administer and enforce building codes, resulting in overworked and understaffed operations, Roth explained. H.R. 4461, the Community Building Code Administration Grant Act of 2007, provides $100 million over a five-year period to help local and state authorities adopt and enforce statewide building codes. 
 
“In addition to protecting lives and property, evidence suggests stronger building codes can also save millions of dollars for American taxpayers,” Roth said. “Research by the National Institute of Building Sciences indicates that every $1 spent on mitigation at the federal level saves taxpayers $4 in disaster assistance.” 
 
The bill caps awards at $1 million per recipient, requires recipients to match a portion of the funds received, and outlines eligible uses of the money and selected criteria with preference given to governments in financial distress. 
 
“NAMIC founded and is working closely with the Building Codes Coalition to secure passage of this bill,” Roth said. “We commend members of the committee for their foresight in adopting the legislation, and we look forward to meeting with members of the full House as they consider this vital issue. 
 
The Big "I" Makes Its Support Heard 
 
The IIAA (Big "I"), also a supporter of the legislation, stated: 
 
“The Big ‘I’ is pleased that the Committee has approved this natural disaster legislation,” says Charles E. Symington, Jr., Big “I” senior vice president of government affairs. “Strong building codes are the first defense against the damage caused by natural disasters, and we applaud the Committee for taking decisive action to help communities secure their residents against the ongoing threat of natural disasters." 
 
The Big “I” has been a leader in advocating for natural disaster solutions, testifying on several occasions before the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking Committee on the need for Congress to take steps to put both prevention and response plans in place before a major natural disaster occurs, instead of the current system of responding to these events after the fact.  
 
“As the representatives of the independent insurance agents who sell homeowners’ insurance, we feel it is important that Congress provides incentives for communities to put in place strong building codes,” says John Prible, Big “I” assistant vice president for federal government affairs. “Studies have shown time and again that proper mitigation through strong building codes protects both human life and property during major natural disasters, and we are pleased that the Financial Services Committee has chosen to provide local communities with more resources needed to institute these safety measures.”