SENATE BILL 262

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2011

INTRODUCED BY

Bernadette M. Sanchez

FOR THE ECONOMIC AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

AN ACT

RELATING TO MUNICIPAL INSPECTORS; AMENDING AND REPEALING SECTIONS OF THE NMSA 1978 TO CHANGE THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES COMMISSION AUTHORITY OVER MUNICIPAL INSPECTORS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. Section 60-13-41 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1967, Chapter 199, Section 49, as amended) is amended to read:

     "60-13-41. INSPECTORS--DESIGNATED INSPECTION AGENCIES.--

          A. State inspectors shall be employed by the director.

          B. Qualifications and job descriptions for inspectors for the state [municipalities and all other political subdivisions] shall be prescribed by the commission.

          C. The division may appoint inspection agencies to inspect the construction, installation, alteration or repair of manufactured commercial units, modular homes and premanufactured homes, including those manufacturers whose business premises are without the state, to ensure that the New Mexico standards of construction and installation are adhered to and that the quality of construction meets all New Mexico codes and standards. If the inspection agency has no place of business within the state, it shall file a written statement with the secretary of state setting forth its name and business address and designating the secretary of state as its agent for the service of process.

          D. The division may enter into reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions having comparable codes, standards and inspection requirements for the inspection of the construction, alteration or repair of modular homes, premanufactured homes and manufactured commercial units.

          E. The division may, with the approval of the commission, establish qualifications for inspectors certified to inspect in more than one bureau's jurisdiction."

     SECTION 2. Section 60-13-42 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1967, Chapter 199, Section 50, as amended) is amended to read:

     "60-13-42. AUTHORITY OF INSPECTORS--LIMITATION.--

          A. A state certified inspector may, during reasonable hours, enter any building or go upon any premises in the discharge of [his] the inspector's official duties for the purpose of making an inspection of work performed or for the purpose of testing any installation authorized within the jurisdiction of [his] the inspector's trade certification. [He] The inspector may cut or disconnect, or have cut or disconnected in cases of emergency, [any] an installation or device when necessary for safety to life or property or where the installation may interfere with the work of a fire department.

          B. The inspector may disconnect or order the discontinuance of [any] service to any installation, device, appliance or equipment found to be dangerous to life or property because it is defective or is incorrectly installed, until the installation, device, appliance or equipment is made safe and is approved by the inspector.

          C. The inspector may order the correction of any defects or any incorrect installation [which] that prompted the disconnection and discontinuance of service.

          D. In all cases where disconnection is made, a notice shall be attached by the inspector to the installation, device, appliance or equipment disconnected, which notice shall state that the same has been disconnected by or on order of the inspector and the reason for the disconnection. It is unlawful for [any] a person to remove the notice or to use the installation, device, appliance or equipment without authorization of an inspector.

          [E. The powers granted by this section to any municipal inspector may be exercised by him only in the localities where he is authorized to make inspection.

          F.] E. The division shall by regulation adopt official inspection stickers or medallions for the purpose of identifying those modular homes and premanufactured homes [which] that have been inspected and found to comply with all requirements of the state codes and standards. State inspection and acceptance for use of modular homes and premanufactured homes shall exclusively apply to the use and occupancy of such dwellings in the state and in any of its political subdivisions, subject to the requirements of local planning and zoning ordinances and ordinances requiring permits and inspections for foundations, electrical and mechanical hookups or other safety or sanitary requirements."

     SECTION 3. REPEAL.--Section 60-13-43 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1967, Chapter 199, Section 51, as amended) is repealed.

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