Author: Kristen Morano

Pro Codes Act would protect copyright of codes and standards that governments seek to utilize for public benefit

Washington, D.C. – On March 16, 2023, Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced the Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes Act, or Pro Codes Act (S.835), in the U.S. Senate with Senators Thoms Tillis (R-NC) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joining as original cosponsors.  

Sen. Coons and Tillis serve as the chair and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s subcommittee concerning intellectual property. Sens. Cornyn and Whitehouse also serve on the Judiciary Committee, signaling the importance of this issue across party lines and increasing the likelihood for Congressional advancement of the bill. 

Through the Pro Codes Act, the U.S. Congress recognizes the vital role consensus-based codes and standards play in public safety. The act underscores the importance of ensuring that standards developing organizations (SDOs) like the International Code Council, who make their codes viewable for free online, retain the copyright for their respective codes that governments seek to utilize by incorporating them by reference into law. 

The Pro Codes Act will protect the codes and standards widely used by the federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to ensure building safety policies. If passed, this legislation will help to preserve the cost-effective, public-private partnership through which the private sector develops up-to-date safety codes that are vetted and utilized by public officials for the American people. 

These copyright protections have been challenged in recent years by for-profit companies selling unpermitted and erroneous copies of codes and standards carefully developed by various SDOs. 

“Standards development organizations work tirelessly to enhance community resilience and sustainability as well as to protect the health and safety of communities around the world through the development of life safety codes and standards,” said Gabe Maser, Code Council Senior Vice President of Government Relations. “Our standards development system costs taxpayers nothing and has worked efficiently for over 125 years. The advancement of the Pro Codes Act is essential towards protecting this transparent and balanced system, the value of which is well recognized in the U.S. and abroad.”

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About the International Code Council 
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. 

A comprehensive report was developed by the Code Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Building Safety and Security 

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council has announced the publication of its Building Safety and Security Report. The report is intended to guide architects, first responders, and local and state authorities in evaluating facilities, including schools, against potential targeted acts of violence. 

“We are impacted every day by building safety, so it is imperative we help guide our local and state authorities in taking the appropriate actions to keep our communities safe,” said Code Council Senior Vice President of Technical Services, Mike Pfeiffer. “This report will help to develop the necessary balance between facility security and safety considerations.” 

Increasing threats to safety such as outdated facilities and emergency situations have motivated state and local jurisdictions to develop legislation and policies to help protect the public. The report will provide stakeholders with guidance on how to do a building risk assessment, tips on building safety administration, advice on how to best approach facility hardening, and an overview of tactical considerations.  

“The Code Council’s Board of Directors is dedicated to ensuring all aspects of the built environment are thoroughly analyzed to help provide comprehensive solutions to emergency situations,” said Michael Wich, CBO, President of the International Code Council Board of Directors. “This report is a culmination of our efforts to explore and assess the status of building safety and security measures being employed during the design and construction of facilities.” 

The report was developed by the Code Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Building Safety and Security. The committee was established by the Code Council Board of Directors in 2018 and gathered experts from industries and sectors spanning building, facility management, education, security, engineering, architecture and standards development.  

“The work of the Code Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on Building Safety and Security will go a long way in identifying best practices and guides to address the design and layout of new and existing buildings,” said Chair of Ad Hoc Committee on Building Safety and Security, Code Council Board of Directors, Angie Wiese, PE, CBO. 

Download the Building Safety and Security report here. 

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About the International Code Council 
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. 

Ramiro Mata will lead Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas standards development and Rick Bluntzer will support Government Relations in the adoption of codes and standards  

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council recently welcomed two new experts whose experience and insight will support the Code Council’s efforts to expand the use of the International Codes to help fortify the built environment. Ramiro Mata will serve as the head facilitator of the Code Council’s development process for plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas (PMG) standards. Rick Bluntzer will serve as regional manager in the southwest, helping the Government Relations team maintain a focus on the adoption and use of codes, standards and services. 

Mata brings more than 12 years of experience in standards development and will work closely with industry experts to help develop consensus-driven standards in the PMG sector. His efforts will enhance public safety and sustainability and fill in the gaps where standards are needed. 

Bluntzer joins the Code Council from the Alamo Area Council of Governments where he served as Senior Director of Operations. His previous work in leadership positions in the energy sector and extensive experience with state and local advocacy and public affairs will be a force that drives the Government Relations team and members of the Code Council to success in supporting the effective use and implementation of the Code Council’s services. 

“We are pleased to welcome our newest experts to the team,” said International Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “The experience Ramiro and Rick bring make them both well positioned to support our members and continue our goal of creating a safer built environment.” 

More information about Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) can be found here and Government Relations (GR) here. 

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About the International Code Council 
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. 

Washington, D.C. – On February 24, 2023, the International Code Council moved its headquarters from 500 New Jersey Avenue to 200 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D.C. The office is in the Capitol Crossing Building, a new ultra-high-performing building that reinforces the Code Council’s commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative building practices. Additionally, the building provides a large conference capability of hosting over 200 occupants, and indoor/outdoor reception resources to facilitate greater collaboration with building safety professionals.  

The Code Council’s D.C. office helps support building code adoption activities and building safety advocacy for members, stakeholders and jurisdictions. The new office space includes a host of next-generation efficiency features such as water cisterns that reduce energy and water consumption, increased environmental and indoor air quality, on-site cogeneration plant, daylight harvesting, eco chimneys, and water catchment and treatment. 

“The opportunity to move our D.C. headquarters to Capitol Crossing aligns with our values and underscores our commitment to sustainability and our membership,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “This new space will provide a healthy and dynamic environment for employees, members, and visitors alike.” 

The Capitol Crossing building is certified LEED Platinum. LEED is a rating system recognizing green buildings, homes and communities that are designed to improve environmental and human health and lower carbon emissions. The LEED rating system and industry-leading model codes including the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) which integrates with LEED, has enabled the construction sector to introduce fundamental strategies to protect occupant comfort and health, save money and preserve resources during the design, construction and operation of buildings. 

Click here to view photos of Capitol Crossing.

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About the International Code Council 
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide. 

Washington, D.C. – The International Code Council is revising its rigorous code development process. The changes will take effect in 2024-2026 for the development of the 2027 International Codes (I-Codes) and will move the development process to an integrated and continuous three-year cycle. 

In the new timeline, year one will include two Committee Action Hearings for Group A Codes; year two will include two Committee Action Hearings for Group B Codes; and year three will be the joint Public Comment Hearings and Online Governmental Consensus Vote for both Group A and B Codes.  

The addition of the second Committee Actions Hearings in year one and two will foster a more in-depth vetting of code change proposals, allowing an opportunity for the committee members to review and evaluate the original proposals and consider the submitted responses. This also provides more opportunity for proponents to build consensus for their code change proposal and ensure the best version of their intended improvement to the existing codes. 

Additionally, with combined Public Comment Hearings in the third year, voting members are able to vote on all suggested changes to the next edition of the I-Codes at one time. The updated process also provides more opportunity for proposed new referenced standards to be developed and finalized on a consistent timeline regardless of the group (Group A or B) with which they are associated. 

“As stewards of the code development process, we are always looking for ways to improve,” said Code Council Chief Executive Officer Dominic Sims, CBO. “These changes have been carefully considered by the Code Council for years and supported by both the Board Committee on the Long-Term Code Development Process and the Industry Advisory Committee. As members of the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations community, we can continue the legacy of those who have come before us in ensuring our communities have safe, sustainable and affordable buildings.” 

“The code development process is an open and transparent process that allows for any interested parties to participate. This facilitates a broad spectrum of ideas, expertise and input enabling the I-Codes to be the best model codes available to support the built environment,” said Dr. Russ Manning, incoming Senior Vice President of Technical Services at the Code Council. “Participation in the code process not only allows sharing individual expertise for the benefit of nearly 2 billion people worldwide; it also helps each of us to build individual skills in our respective roles in the shaping of our buildings and communities.”  

As part of the new process, volunteers on code development committees will now preside over the two Committee Action Hearings, one in the spring and one in the fall. Stay up to date on all calls for committees here or visit “Changes to the Code Development Process” for further details. The Code Council Board-approved changes to CP 28 Code Development to implement the process are also posted on the website. 

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About the International Code Council 
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.