Tuesday, February 24, 2015

GLASS Report: Legislative Action Alert: Regular Session 2015-2016: House Bill 594



Short Title: An Act amending the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in adoption and enforcement by municipalities, further providing for administration and enforcement.


Prime Sponsor: Representative SONNEY

Last Action: Referred to LABOR AND INDUSTRY, Feb. 23, 2015 [House]


Printer's No.: 662*

MEMORANDUM

Posted:            January 30, 2015 01:01 PM
From:   Representative Curtis Sonney
To:       All House members

Subject:           Third Party Contracts with Municipalities

Under current law, municipalities that opt to administer the UCC can do it with their own employees, enter a joint agreement with other municipalities, or hire a third party agency to administer their program.

My legislation would directly relate to situations where a municipality has contracted with a third party agency to administer and enforce the UCC and while, in effect, have given that private company a monopoly.  My legislation amends the act to eliminate this “monopoly” and would require that at least three third party agencies be contracted with the municipality, not just one.

Also, my legislation seeks to reign in excessive fees that many municipalities charge their constituents for inspections.  The UCC program should not be a revenue generating program for municipal budgets.  My legislation would require that UCC fees be used solely to cover the costs of program enforcement.

I believe my legislation would give residents an expanded opportunity for not only agency selection but also the opportunity to have inspections completed in a reasonably priced and competitive manner.

This is a reintroduction of former HB 565.  Previous co-sponsors include;  CUTLER, GINGRICH, MILLARD, MOUL, OBERLANDER, PICKETT, GIBBONS and HEFFLEY

CS/cmc

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