Sources: National Concrete Masonry Association; Library of Congress
Representatives Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) have introduced the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education and Promotion Act of 2013 (H.R. 1563), identical to legislation (S.429) Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) unveiled in February.
The House bill proposes “To enable concrete masonry products manufacturers to establish, finance, and carry out a coordinated program of research, education, and promotion to improve, maintain, and develop markets for concrete masonry products.” Along with the Senate version, it mirrors 2011 legislation authorizing concrete masonry stakeholders to pursue an industry-wide referendum on a check-off program, likely entailing a small assessment on unit sales. A Department of Commerce-authorized board would oversee assessment collection and funding of industry-advancing activities.