Berkeley tragedy leads to new California construction legislation

Just over a year after six Irish students died following the collapse of a balcony in Berkeley, California, the state yesterday signed Senate Bill 465, to increase the supervision of construction companies in a bid to prevent a repeat of the tragic incident.

California governor Jerry Brown signed the law yesterday, compelling building contractors to reveal past felonies and other crimes to state regulators.

The Contractors State License Board must now ensure builders report settlements or judgments stemming from faulty workmanship.

The board will then determine whether legal settlement information would be useful in their role of protecting the public.

Eimear Walsh (21), Olivia Burke (21), Irish-American Ashley Donohoe (22), from California, Eoghan Culligan (21), Niccolai Schuster (21), and Lorcan Miller (21) died when the fourth floor balcony they were standing on collapsed.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan welcomed the introduction of the new law: “Its adoption is a testament to the tireless advocacy of those directly affected by the horrific Berkeley balcony collapse, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of Irish students over a year ago.

“This legislation is but one step in a broader process which the Irish Government hopes will ensure that no other family has to endure the loss and injury suffered in Berkeley a year ago.”

Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development Joe McHugh, who attended the signing ceremony, said: “I deeply commend the selfless courage of the families of those injured.”