Sponsor Statement for SB 269

Plumbing Code

SB 269 simplifies the process for adopting the Uniform Plumbing Code for Commercial , Industrial and Residential plumbing systems and its related codes dealing with swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and solar energy. The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) is responsible for publishing these codes. They publish an update every three years. Alaska is presently working on the 1994 code. A new 1997 code is forthcoming and legislative action is required before the new codes may be used by contractors in Alaska.

This legislation adopts the 1997 code and will hereafter, allow the Department of Labor to automatically adopt through the regulatory process the latest published version of the national code as provided by the IAPMO as the minimum state pluming code. This is efficient government. The Department of Labor currently adopts other codes it is responsible to enforce such as the electrical, elevator, and boiler/pressure vessel codes in this manner.