Berkeley collapse survivor’s testimony aids bid to tighten California building laws

A legislative committee in California has approved plans to strengthen disclosure requirements for building contractors following the Berkeley balcony collapse.

Five Irish students and one Irish-American woman were killed last June after the balcony on which they were standing collapsed.

It was later discovered the firm that built the complex had a history settling construction defect cases with payouts totalling $26.5 million, unbeknownst to the Contractors State License Board.

Survivor Aoife Beary, who lived in the property, appeared before California legislators this week to testify in support of legislative proposals from Senator Jerry Hill.

Senate Bill 465 requires contractors to notify the state licensing board when they are convicted of felonies or a crime related to their work.

An earlier version of the bill was defeated after lobbying from the construction industry in California, but an amended version was approved by the California Assembly Appropriations Committee yesterday, with nobody speaking in opposition.

In her testimony, Ms Beary said: “My life has been changed forever. I cannot believe that you are even debating this bill. People died.

“You should make sure that balconies are scrutinised in this state to prevent this happening again.”

Mr Hill said afterwards: “I deeply appreciate the strength and courage of Aoife Beary and her mother, Angela, and of Jackie Donohoe, the mother of Ashley Donohoe, who testified to the Assembly Appropriations Committee about the importance of greater oversight of contractors and the safety of balconies.

“I’m grateful for the committee’s vote today and look forward to consideration of SB 465 by the full Assembly.”