Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands the authority of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to investigate structural failures other than those involving buildings and to recommend related improvements to engineering standards and practices.

Highlights:

• Expands the authority of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to investigate structural failures other than those involving buildings and to recommend related improvements to engineering standards and practices (Sec. 2).

• Expands the investigative authority of NIST's National Construction Safety Teams and specifies that these teams must (Sec. 2):

• identify the likely cause of the failure, evaluate the technical aspects of evacuation and response procedures, and 

• recommend ways to improve building standards, codes, practices, and other related actions based on their findings.

• Extends the authority beyond buildings to include other types of structures and related engineering standards and practices (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text