The 79^th Texas Legislative Session that officially ended May 30 was a success for Texas BOMA, as the association’s top proactive legislative priority – a bill requiring municipalities to adopt the International Building Code – passed both the House and Senate. The bill now is awaiting the Governor’s signature.

The adopted codes were established by the American-based International Code Council to provide greater consistency across building codes, and cover all aspects of building design and construction. They are the most widely recognized building codes in the country, used in 48 states at the state or local level. They are also used by state and federal agencies.

BOMA’s accomplishment this legislative session is a result of the organization’s new emphasis of being proactive and visible. For the past year, Locke Liddell has stressed to BOMA’s members the importance of having a presence in Austin and establishing ongoing relationships with legislators and their staffs. We have encouraged advocacy on a year-round basis instead of just when the legislature is in session -- maintaining a constant presence among officials and vigilantly cultivating relationships with those empowered to shape public policy.

With that philosophy in mind, members of Texas BOMA and Locke Liddell & Sapp’s Public Law team began preparing long before the session began to make legislators aware of the importance of adopting the International Building Code. Then in February, BOMA members from across the state traveled to Austin for BOMA’s Legislative Advocacy Day and met with individual legislators to inform them of the need to adopt the IBC, which will streamline commercial building leasing, construction, and renovation.

Texas BOMA President Ray Mackey recognized the hard work by all, and praised the results. "Texas BOMA is thrilled that our relationship with Locke Liddell allows us to not only monitor legislative actions that might be detrimental to our members, but because of Locke Liddell's stature as one of the top lobbying organizations in Texas, we are able to influence and promote legislation that can have very positive effects on the commercial real estate industry and our communities."

During this difficult session, that meant passage of the International Building Code. Sen. Jeff Wentworth and Rep. Frank Corte, both from San Antonio, sponsored the bill and were ardent supporters throughout the process. Also backing BOMA in seeking passage of this legislation were, among others, the Texas Society of Architects, Hispanic Contractors Association, Texas Institute for Building Design and the Texas Apartment Association. The support received from International Code Council representatives was also instrumental. As is true with any legislation, compromises were made along the way. The building code legislation passed by the Texas House and Senate is applicable only to municipalities and not in unincorporated areas, and municipalities can adopt less stringent amendments to the IBC.

"Not only do the codes promote best practices in public safety, they eliminate the confusion and frustration of disparate and inadequate building codes," said Kyle Gillman, BOMA Austin legislative chairman who worked for the successful passage. "It’s a better system that produces better results from the public."

The last day for Gov. Perry to sign or veto bills is June 19. Locke Liddell & Sapp’s team is working to make sure he understands the legislation and supports it, and does not anticipate any problems with securing his signature.