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HB 6618

AN ACT REQUIRING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STATE-WIDE BUILDING CODE CONSISTING OF MORE STRINGENT ENERGY-EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS THAT MAY BE ADOPTED BY TOWNS, CITIES OR BOROUGHS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mary Mushinsky and 1 co-sponsor

Requires the development of a statewide energy-efficiency building code that towns, cities or boroughs may adopt, boosting efficiency for new construction and major renovations.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Safety and Security
#codesandstandardscommittee #energyconservation #statebuildingcode #statebuildinginspector
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6618

Summary of HB 6618

Overview

HB 6618, introduced January 24, 2025, is titled: “AN ACT REQUIRING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STATE-WIDE BUILDING CODE CONSISTING OF MORE STRINGENT ENERGY-EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS THAT MAY BE ADOPTED BY TOWNS, CITIES OR BOROUGHS.” The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security for consideration.

Purpose and Intent

  • To require the development of a statewide building code with enhanced energy-efficiency standards.
  • To permit local governments (towns, cities, or boroughs) to adopt the statewide code (potentially with local modifications or within a local adoption process, depending on the bill’s final text).

Key Provisions (anticipated categories based on the bill’s title)

  • Development of statewide energy-efficient building standards: The bill would mandate a state authority (likely a Codes and Standards body or equivalent) to create a comprehensive statewide code focused on higher energy performance for new construction and major renovations.
  • Local adoption framework: Municipalities would have the option to adopt the statewide code, enabling uniform energy-efficiency requirements across jurisdictions or allowing local tailoring as permitted.
  • Enforcement and inspection: Provisions would address how compliance is to be ensured, potentially through the State Building Inspector or a related agency, including inspections for new builds and significant updates.
  • Update and maintenance provisions: Mechanisms for periodic updates to the energy-efficiency standards, ensuring the code remains current with technologies and best practices.
  • Implementation timeline and phased rollout: A schedule outlining when the statewide code would be developed, adopted, and when local adoption would take effect.
  • Funding and support: Potential allocations for development, training, and enforcement activities to assist local jurisdictions and industry stakeholders.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Local governments (towns, cities, boroughs) that choose to adopt the statewide code.
  • Builders, contractors, and developers impacted by stricter energy-efficiency standards.
  • Property owners and occupants through improved energy performance requirements.
  • State agencies involved in building codes, inspections, and enforcement.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security; typical next steps include committee hearings, potential amendments, and a floor vote.
  • If enacted, the bill would specify a development timeline for the statewide code, adoption windows for local jurisdictions, and an effective date for compliance.

Notes

  • This summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and its likely substantive implications based on the title. The exact language in the bill will define the precise authority, scope, amendments to existing codes, and any costs or exemptions. As introduced, concrete details (e.g., specific energy targets, cost thresholds, or preemption language) should be reviewed in the bill’s full text and subsequent amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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