2016 HBRA Legislative Affairs Committee Sprinkler Bill Defeated On March 10th, SB 238, which would authorize local governments to mandate fire sprinklers in all new 1&2 family homes, was defeated in the Public Safety Committee. A 25 member committee, 13 NO votes were needed. The official vote was 19-6 against the bill. This is a remarkable outcome given that both co-chairs support mandating fire sprinklers in 1&2 family homes. The other fire sprinkler bill, HB 5278 (mandating sprinklers in all new 2-family homes statewide), was not on the March 10th agenda. The committee has one more committee meeting Tuesday, March 15, but given today’s vote, it’s unlikely HB 5278 will be placed on next Tuesday’s agenda. Thanks to TJ Casey, and to the CT Realtors, for helping defeat SB 238. Also, after placing SB 388 on today’s agenda, the committee “Held” the bill – meaning it took no action. SB 388 would allow the Dept of Admin. Services and State Codes & Standards Committee, in adopting new versions of the State Building Code, Fire Safety Code and Fire Prevention Code, to not follow normal rule making processes and avoid the final step of the legislature’s Regulations Review Committee. HBRA opposed this agency bill because the normal notice and comment rule making and the backstop of the Regulations Review Committee have been important steps that protect the public and stakeholders, such as us. The committee can still add it to the March 15th meeting agenda for action, however. The Public Safety Committee did pass HB 5549, which adds 2 fire marshals to the Codes & Standards Committee. HBRA opposed this bill as well and HB 5549 may become one of our opposition bills for Home Building Industry Day. Great work by Bill Ethier! We strongly urge HBRA members to get to know their state legislators: Call them, email them, invite them for a cup of coffee and teach them about your business and the issues and concerns you have. The HBRA of CT debates issues and policies, delivers testimony and produces talking points, but much of our legislative success comes down to relationships our members have with legislators. Legislators want to do right by their constituents, and if you don’t have even a casual relationship with them, then they will first think of other constituents. When talking with legislators, remember: • Legislators do listen to their constituents (i.e., you) and try to make the best decisions possible. If you don’t make your views heard, then they’ll make decisions based on the views of others and their own experiences. • Lawmakers may know little about you and your concerns on bills before the legislature. • They may have formed no opinions at all and may have taken no position on bills of concern to you. • Express the HBRA’s position on a bill in terms of your own personal experience. That helps to illustrate the personal side of the effect on your business. • Ask the legislator what can be done to address your concern. Let the lawmaker talk. • Do not overstate your concern. Do not say things like, “This bill will drive me out of business!” or “We need this bill to survive!” You’ll lose your credibility. But do request the legislator’s support of your position! • Do not challenge or threaten any legislator. It’s OK to attack a bill or one of its provisions, or an argument for or against a bill, but don’t attack the person. Most legislators enjoy the independence of their office and may vote against you to prove it. For Up-to-date informationon HBRA Legislative efforts, please visit the HBRA CT website at www.hbract.org. March 2016 | HBRA of Fairfield County | 15
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