The business of politics

As the House meets today, look for some business bills that are below the media radar screen.

The House appears to be ready to adopt the international residential building code without amendment, which would send it to the Governor. The state adopted the international building code statewide a few years back, but this particularly pertains to residential structures. This is in conjunction with the move to regulate building contractors and remodelers.

Without the code, it would be difficult to enforce actions against shoddy work. But contractor organizations have traditionally supported uniform building codes, frustrated with different towns doing their own thing.

A bill regulating recreation therapists appears ready to pass – though it will have to go back to the Senate because it has amendment that would grandfather existing therapists during a transition period, and requiring a particular exam.

A Senate proposal to set up numerous screening panels and review boards on top of existing occupational board structure seems doomed to fail. The Executive Departments and Administration unanimously recommended killing it as too much overkill to counter some complaints with the Board of Medicine. The committee looked to an audit of the Medical board to resolve some of these complaints.

Businesses who use small claims courts to go after delinquent receivables might like SB 286, which would change the requirement to send out their initial notices by certified mail. First class postage is cheaper and quicker contends the Judiciary committee on an 18-0 vote. But the committee amended the bill, so even if the whole House passed it, it won’t be a done deal. It has to go back to the Senate. — BOB SANDERS