Take action against a state senate bill that could pose a risk to Arizonans' public safety and welfare!

Senate Bill (SB) 1051, if enacted, would grow the range of practices exempt from the Arizona Board of Technical Registration's (AZBTR) compliance requirements. Specifically, SB 1051 would allow nonregistrants to design interior non-structural alterations in certain commercial spaces that do not exceed 3000 square feet and  are up to two stories in height, thereby expanding the scope of work nonregistrants can perform without needing to comply with AZBTR regulations.

While this language seems harmless, the bill is vague as to who determines what alterations are truly nonstructural and the language is incomplete when it does refer to specific elements of a structure. Alterations that are seemingly nonstructural may have an impact on the vertical, lateral, and fire-resistive systems of a building. These alterations should be reviewed by a licensed design professional on a case-by-case basis, because if done incorrectly, the alterations could pose a risk of serious injury or death to people occupying the structure.

SB 1051 passed the Senate and is now in the House, where it could come to the floor for a vote this week. Please reach out to your state representative to vote 'No' on SB 1051, and encourage your networks to take action!