This will be a busy week in the state capitol for issues related to the building industry. There are hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday regarding legislation to remove the sunset (set to expire on December 31, 2011) from the “mandatory offer” statute related to fire sprinklers. That is the statute which requires builders to offer installation of a sprinkler system to purchasers of newly constructed homes. It also prohibits any code-adopting jurisdiction in Missouri from mandating residential fire sprinklers. In addition to HBA of Missouri and HBA of Greater Springfield lobbyists representing you on these issues, HBA of Greater Springfield CEO Matt Morrow will travel to Jefferson City this week to testify on these bills as well. (Are you following Matt on Twitter? He will be providing updates on this hearing during his day in Jefferson City. Click here to follow: http://twitter.com/matt_morrow)
- House Bill 46, sponsored by Representative Diehl- Sprinkler Bill.
- House Bill 148, sponsored by Representative Nance- Prohibits a residential contractor from advertising or promising to pay or rebate all or any portion of an insurance deductible as an inducement to the sale of goods or services.
- House Bill 222, sponsored by Representative Schneider- Increases the number of years before certain newly constructed residential property is assessed for property taxation from the second year to the fourth year following the year construction was completed.
- House Bill 292, sponsored by by Representative Schneider- prohibits state certified and state licensed real estate appraisers from using a property’s foreclosure price as a comparable property when developing an appraisal.
- Senate Bill 101, sponsored by Senator Parson- Creates requirements for contractors who perform home exterior and roof work.
- Senate Bill 108, sponsored by Senator Schmitt- Sprinkler Bill.
The assessment delay bill and the bill to prohibit appraisers from using a property’s foreclosed price as a comparable property are supported by HBA of Missouri affiliates. Also important this session is a bill sponsored by Senator Jack Goodman (Barry, Lawrence, Stone, Taney area) to fix a work comp issue very critical to the construction industry and other businesses. The HBAM supports the Goodman legislation that requires co-employees to be released from liability for negligence in performing the non-delegable duty of an employer to provide a safe workplace when the negligence contributes to injury or death.
Your HBA’s annual trek to the state capitol, Legislative Day, will take place on April 6. Builders and remodelers are welcome to travel free of charge (courtesy of associate members providing “builder sponsorships) on the bus for this visit to our legislators, to educate them about the impact of their decisions on the housing industry. For more information you can contact Government Affairs Specialist Jennifer McClure.