Structural failures — Us Code Code § 281a
Us Code Code § 281a — Structural failures. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 281a. Structural failures
The National Institute of Standards and Technology, on its own initiative but only after consultation with local authorities, may initiate and conduct investigations to determine the causes of structural failures in structures which are used or occupied by the general public. No part of any report resulting from such investigation, or from an investigation under the National Construction Safety Team Act [15 U.S.C. 7301 et seq.], shall be admitted as evidence or used in any suit or action for damages arising out of any matter mentioned in such report.
(Pub. L. 99–73, §7, July 29, 1985, 99 Stat. 173; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, §5115(c), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 107–231, §13, Oct. 1, 2002, 116 Stat. 1476.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The National Construction Safety Team Act, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 107–231, Oct. 1, 2002, 116 Stat. 1471, which is classified generally to chapter 99 [§7301 et seq.] of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 7301 of this title and Tables.
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act which comprises this chapter.
Amendments
2002—Pub. L. 107–231 inserted ", or from an investigation under the National Construction Safety Team Act," after "from such investigation".
1988—Pub. L. 100–418 substituted "National Institute of Standards and Technology" for "National Bureau of Standards".
About This Section
15 U.S.C. § 281a is part of Title 15 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.
This section may be cited in legal writing as 15 U.S.C. § 281a. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.
How to Read This Statute
Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.
Using This Page
This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.