State Sen. Patty Ritchie has succeeded in getting the Senate to approve the elimination of duplicative requirements for annual visual inspections of school buildings.

Ritchie, a Republican from Heuvelton whose district includes the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur, said in a press release that the measure was first suggested by her local district Mandate Relief Working Group.

Established in 2011, the group—which includes local leaders from Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties—aims to save money by slashing “mandates,” which are frequently characterized as wasteful and bureaucratic requirements by the state but which are not completely funded by the state, if at all.

Under existing law, public school buildings must undergo an annual visual inspection. In addition, as part of a five-year Capital Facilities Plan, school districts must also submit a five-year building condition survey which evaluates the need for maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction of facilities.

Under Ritchie’s measure, (S.3968-A) the duplicative and less stringent annual inspection would be eliminated.

The legislation will now be sent to the governor for his signature.