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US lawmakers approve bill prompted by Berkeley balcony collapse

Lawmakers in the US state of California have reportedly approved a bill to shore up building regu...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.43 1 Sep 2016


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US lawmakers approve bill prom...

US lawmakers approve bill prompted by Berkeley balcony collapse

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.43 1 Sep 2016


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Lawmakers in the US state of California have reportedly approved a bill to shore up building regulations in light of the Berkeley balcony collapse.

Six people lost their lives last summer when a balcony collapsed during 21st birthday celebrations.

Eimear Walsh, Olivia Burke, Niccolai Schuster, Eoghan Culligan, Lorcán Miller and Ms Burke's cousin, Irish-American Ashley Donohoe were all killed.

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22-year-old Dubliner Aoife Beary, who survived the tragedy, gave evidence to a public hearing last month.

"I miss my friends so much - I have known them since we started school together at four years of age. We had grown up together, and now my birthday will always be their anniversary", she said.

Aoife Beary (centre) gave evidence last month in California | File photo

The SB-465 bill would require contractors to disclose convictions for shoddy work, and report it to the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

It was approved by 38 lawmakers, with just one abstaining.

It will now be sent to Governor Jerry Brown for approval.

SFGate says some Senators originally wanted stronger legislation, but it was defeated amid industry opposition last year.


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