HB1205
To Amend The Independent Inspections Of A Modular Building For Code Compliance; And To Declare An Emergency.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill amends existing Arkansas law regarding independent inspections of modular buildings for code compliance. Specifically, it alters the requirements for third-party compliance assurance or inspection agencies. Currently, these agencies must be listed with the International Accreditation Service, Inc., or another ISO/IEC 17011-compliant accreditation body. The proposed amendment broadens this to include any "other International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission ISO/IEC 17011-compliant accreditation body." The purpose is to allow a wider range of accredited organizations to provide these inspections. The bill states an emergency exists, arguing that current laws create unfair restrictions, limit choices for manufacturers, and increase costs for consumers. The legislative intent is to decrease costs, increase competition, and stimulate economic activity by expanding options for third-party inspections of modular structures. The bill aims to streamline and potentially lower the cost of code compliance for modular buildings in Arkansas.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
If this bill becomes law, primary beneficiaries would include manufacturers of modular and factory-built structures (excluding manufactured housing regulated by HUD) doing business in Arkansas. These manufacturers would gain more options for selecting third-party inspection agencies, potentially leading to lower inspection costs and greater flexibility in their compliance processes. Consumers purchasing these modular buildings could also benefit from reduced costs passed on by manufacturers and increased competition among inspection agencies. Additionally, the broader range of accredited inspection agencies would have the opportunity to provide services in Arkansas.
Who Might Suffer?
The groups most directly and negatively impacted by this bill, if it were to become law, are likely the currently established or preferred third-party inspection agencies that are accredited under the existing, more specific criteria. By expanding the list of acceptable accreditation bodies, the bill could dilute the market share or competitive advantage of these existing agencies. Furthermore, if the expansion leads to a significant influx of new inspection providers, there is a potential concern that the overall rigor or consistency of inspections could be negatively affected, although the bill specifies that these new agencies must also be ISO/IEC 17011-compliant. The state agencies responsible for overseeing building codes might also face administrative challenges in adapting to a potentially larger and more diverse pool of accredited inspection providers.