BILL WOULD SET UP STATE ELEVATOR INSPECTION SYSTEM

A proposal to create a statewide elevator inspection system for Louisiana started advancing Wednesday in the Legislature, winning support from the Senate Commerce Committee.
Louisiana doesn't require regular safety inspections of elevators, and while some municipalities have set their own regulations, most parishes are without rules for annual checkups to make sure elevators and escalators are operating properly.
State Sen. Ben Nevers, D-New Orleans, is sponsoring Senate Bill 602 to establish the statewide inspection system, which is supported by elevator manufacturers.
"The only reason I'm here is about the safety of the citizens in this state," Nevers said.
The committee advanced the proposal without objection, though some senators questioned the price tag of creating a statewide system and the need for it. Nevers' bill likely goes next to the Senate budget committee for review, where more debate is expected of the financing plans. Read More