Official Press Release: IICRC Provides Expert Counsel to State Legislatures

From the IIRC:

VANCOUVER, Wash. (May 14, 2008) – The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification’s (IICRC) Government Affairs Committee, established in late 2007, has recently assisted in educating state legislatures considering new bills governing the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry. In doing so, it continues its mission:

To grow and maintain IICRC awareness of state and federal legislative activity throughout the United States; and where feasible to facilitate relationships and understanding on behalf of the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry.

“By actively monitoring and tracking legislation around the country, we are finding critical opportunities to educate the public on the importance of process and using trained, qualified cleaning professionals,” said Government Affairs Committee Chair Dan Bernazzani.

“Engaging these various audiences allows them to make better, more informed decisions and continues the work of the IICRC as the Industry Guardian.” Most recently, Bernazzani spoke before the Kentucky House of Representatives as an expert resource for proposed legislation regarding mold remediation in the Commonwealth. Bernazzani will return to Kentucky to speak when the Senate reconvenes and the bill is addressed.

The IICRC is also working with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) to offer expertise as the DBPR develops regulations necessary for implementation of Senate Bill 2234, signed into law by Governor Charlie Crist in 2007. The bill regulates and licenses providers of home inspection services, mold remediation services and mold assessment services. The legislation is the first time that Florida mold remediation and inspection companies face state-level regulation. The recent hurricanes and Florida’s humid, damp climate have made mold a growing issue within the past five years.

Additional efforts by the Government Affairs Committee include the Colorado Consumer Freedom of Choice Bill, signed by Governor Bill Ritter in June 2007 and pending legislation in New Hampshire, Minnesota and New York. Moving forward, the IICRC Government Affairs Committee will continue to represent the interests of the inspection, cleaning and restoration industry where appropriate.