Do you feel like you can’t make a difference in state policy?

I’m here to tell you that you can.

In the last few weeks, the North Dakota Association of Builders rallied to defeat a bill. The bill, SB 2303, mandated that a one-family or two-family dwelling may not have a basement depth of more than one foot below the “ordinary high-water mark” of the underlying water table as established by a soil scientist or soil classifier.  Essentially, there would be large swaths of North Dakota that would not be allowed to have a basement.

NDAB Government Affairs Committee Chairman spoke in opposition on behalf of the committee.  "For an average new home, regulatory costs already account for nearly 24% of the cost of the home," Dabbert said.  "It would only create an additional layer of red tape that is not based on updated technology or current practices."

After the hearing ended, the committee discussed concerns with SB 2303, citing concerns of local control and the state building code being continuously updated to address concerns.  Senator Judy Lee moved a recommendation for a "do not pass," the committee unanimously agreed. 

After attempts to amend the bill on the floor, it still failed 36 to 10.

This success would not have happened without our members contacting our legislators on the behalf of their industry and sharing their experiences as builders.

So much of what we do is regulated by government, so they need to hear our voice.  They must hear our voice.  The future of affordable homes depends on it.

Kayla Pulvermacher