50-60-115. Building codes council -- purpose and structure. (1) There is a building codes council for the purpose of assisting the department with the application, implementation, and interpretation of the state building code and building codes adopted by counties, cities, or towns. The council shall work cooperatively with the department and with representatives of the construction industry, as well as members of the interested public, to harmonize building codes and related rules with both the needs of the construction industry and the public interest in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety.

(2) The council consists of 12 members appointed by the governor, unless otherwise specified, as follows:

(a) a practicing architect licensed in Montana;

(b) a practicing professional engineer licensed in Montana;

(c) a representative from the building contractor industry;

(d) a county, city, or town building inspector;

(e) a representative of the manufactured housing industry;

(f) a member of the general public who does not hold public office and who does not represent the same industry or agency as another council member;

(g) the director of the department of public health and human services or the director's designee;

(h) a licensed electrician selected by the state electrical board;

(i) a licensed plumber selected by the board of plumbers;

(j) a licensed elevator mechanic selected by the department;

(k) the state fire marshal or the fire marshal's designee; and

(l) a representative of the home building industry.

(3) The appointed council members serve at the pleasure of the governor for terms of 3 years.

(4) The council is allocated to the department for administrative purposes only as provided in 2-15-121.

(5) The council and its members are entitled to compensation as provided in 2-15-122.