On Tuesday, March 14, the Maryland State House Environment and Transportation Committee heard testimony on House Bill 1311 introduced by Delegate Cory McCray of Baltimore City, seeking to establish and adopt statewide building code regulations related to fire safety features for lightweight combustible wood construction in low- to mid-rise residential buildings throughout the state. At the same time, Build With Strength launched ads throughout the region in print, radio and online, calling on Maryland’s legislators to pass their respective bills and to raise awareness about the dangers of wood-frame construction. While the General Assembly considers HB 1311, the Maryland State Senate is considering its own piece of legislation on the issue, Senate Bill 722 introduced by State Senator Joan Carter Conway of Baltimore City.

Since December 2016, 15 local fire-related deaths have already been recorded. In response, members of the Build With Strength Coalition: firefighters, the Red Cross, the insurance industry, resilience advocates, engineers, architects and academics are imploring lawmakers to rectify this gap in public safety. 

Through the Build with Strength initiative, NRMCA has resources to help members and state affiliates advocate for resilient and safer construction, including model legislation, talking points, public relations and other key strategies.