H.J.R. 7

1

JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING
2 UNREINFORCED MASONRY BUILDINGS
3 2008 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Chief Sponsor: Larry B. Wiley
6 Senate Sponsor: Fred J. Fife
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This joint resolution of the Legislature urges the Utah Seismic Safety Commission to
11 inventory unreinforced masonry buildings in Utah and recommend how to address the
12 problem.
13 Highlighted Provisions:
14 This resolution:
15 . urges the Utah Seismic Safety Commission to compile an inventory of unreinforced
16 masonry buildings in the state;
17 . urges the Commission to use the data to determine the extent of the problem in the
18 state; and
19 . urges the Commission to recommend priorities to address the problem in a manner
20 that will most effectively protect the lives, property, and economy of the state.
21 Special Clauses:
22 None
23
24 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25 WHEREAS, the state of Utah is susceptible to powerful, damaging earthquakes;
26 WHEREAS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has ranked Utah sixth in
27 projected annualized earthquake loss in the United States;

28 WHEREAS, much of the existing building stock within the state was constructed under
29 codes and standards that did not recognize this hazard;
30 WHEREAS, more than 80% of the state's population is located in areas subject to large
31 earthquakes;
32 WHEREAS, a major seismic event could result in catastrophic loss of life, property,
33 and business in the state;
34 WHEREAS, one of the state's primary responsibilities is to safeguard the safety and
35 welfare of its citizens;
36 WHEREAS, unreinforced masonry buildings are among the most dangerous structures
37 in a strong earthquake;
38 WHEREAS, there is a large, but not quantified, inventory of unreinforced masonry
39 buildings in seismically active areas in the state; and
40 WHEREAS, recognizing and anticipating future catastrophic events, and preparing to
41 recover from them is in the best interests of the citizens and the state:
42 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the Utah Seismic
43 Safety Commission to compile an inventory of unreinforced masonry buildings so that the
44 quantity and extent of the problem in Utah can be determined.
45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the Utah Seismic Safety
46 Commission to recommend priorities to address the problem in a manner that will most
47 effectively protect the lives, property, and economy of the state.
48 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah
49 Seismic Safety Commission and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.




Legislative Review Note
as of 1-21-08 10:47 AM

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel