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Committee advances PCS to speed permitting, inspections after disasters
Summary
A PCS for HB1109 was reported favorably; it would allow qualified private and out‑of‑state contractors (inspectors and plans examiners) to assist local building officials for up to one year after a natural disaster using state term contracts and mutual aid agreements to reduce permitting backlogs.
Representative Cross introduced a proposed committee substitute for House Bill 1109 aimed at expediting permitting and inspections after hurricanes and other natural disasters. The PCS would authorize utilization of state term contracts and mutual‑aid agreements to bring in qualified private providers, out‑of‑state contractors, building inspectors and plans examiners to supplement local permitting departments for up to one year following the declared disaster, provided such personnel meet qualifications and work under the direction of local building officials.
Sponsor Cross framed the bill in human terms, describing constituents whose homes were uninhabitable after Hurricanes Helene and Milton and who waited months for permits and inspections while paying rent and mortgage. Members who have experienced major storms, including Representative Henson referencing Hurricane Andrew, supported the measure as a practical way to shorten rebuilding timelines and assist with insurance settlements.
The committee heard limited debate, had no public testimony, and voted to report the PCS favorably.
