(1) The state building code council shall:

     (a) Adopt and maintain the codes to which reference is made in RCW 19.27.031 in a status which is consistent with the state's interest as set forth in RCW 19.27.020. In maintaining these codes, the council shall regularly review updated versions of the codes referred to in RCW 19.27.031 and other pertinent information and shall amend the codes as deemed appropriate by the council;

     (b) Approve or deny all county or city amendments to any code referred to in RCW 19.27.031 to the degree the amendments apply to single-family or multifamily residential buildings;

     (c) As required by the legislature, develop and adopt any codes relating to buildings; and

     (d) Propose a budget for the operation of the state building code council to be submitted to the office of financial management pursuant to RCW 43.88.090.

     (2) The state building code council may:

     (a) Appoint technical advisory committees which may include members of the council;

     (b) Employ permanent and temporary staff and contract for services; and

     (c) Conduct research into matters relating to any code or codes referred to in RCW 19.27.031 or any related matter.

     All meetings of the state building code council shall be open to the public under the open public meetings act, chapter 42.30 RCW. All actions of the state building code council which adopt or amend any code of statewide applicability shall be pursuant to the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW.

     All council decisions relating to the codes enumerated in RCW 19.27.031 shall require approval by at least a majority of the members of the council.

     All decisions to adopt or amend codes of statewide application shall be made prior to December 1 of any year and shall not take effect before the end of the regular legislative session in the next year.

[1989 c 266 § 3; 1985 c 360 § 2.]