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HF 4702

Legislative auditor required to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of sustainability-related building standards, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Sexton

The bill requires the Legislative Auditor to perform a formal cost-benefit analysis of sustainability-related building standards to guide future adoption and policy decisions.

Introduction and first reading, referred to State Government Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4702

Summary of HF 4702 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

Purpose and intent

HF 4702 requires the Legislative Auditor to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of sustainability-related building standards and directs appropriations related to this work. The bill appears to focus on evaluating the economic impacts of state or local building standards that promote sustainability, energy efficiency, or similar environmental goals, ensuring that costs and benefits are weighed before or alongside adoption of such standards.

Key provisions

  • Mandated cost-benefit analysis by the Legislative Auditor

    • The primary obligation is for the Legislative Auditor to perform a formal cost-benefit analysis of sustainability-related building standards.
    • The analysis should assess economic effects, fiscal implications, and any external costs or benefits associated with implementing sustainability requirements in building codes, procurement, or standards.

  • Appropriations to support analysis

    • The bill contemplates an appropriation to fund the Legislative Auditor’s cost-benefit analysis activities related to sustainability-building standards.
    • Specific dollar amounts, duration, or funding mechanisms are not provided in the summary information available; the bill authorizes or allocates funds as part of its text.

  • Scope of “sustainability-related building standards”

    • While not explicitly defined in the summary, the term likely covers standards tied to energy efficiency, environmental performance, green building certifications, durability, or broader climate-related building criteria used by state agencies, local governments, or private sector standards adopted or promoted by state policy.

Affected parties and impact

  • Legislative Auditor

    • Responsible for conducting the mandated cost-benefit analysis, documenting methodologies, assumptions, and findings.
    • Must report results to the Legislature, potentially informing decisions about adopting, modifying, or rejecting sustainability-related standards.

  • State and local governments, agencies, and policymakers

    • May be subject to the findings of the cost-benefit analysis when considering adoption or update of building standards.
    • The analysis could influence future appropriations, rulemaking, or policy direction related to sustainability in building practices.

  • Private sector and public developers

    • Indirect impact through potential changes to building standards or codes that affect construction costs, compliance requirements, and market incentives for green building.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading

    • HF 4702 was introduced and referred to House committees on State Government Finance and Policy, with the current action history showing introduction and referral on March 25, 2026.
    • The sponsor listed is a co-sponsor: Tom Sexton.

  • Legislative process

    • As introduced, the bill would advance through committee consideration, potential amendments, and, if advanced, floor action and further readings.
    • The critical timeline component centers on completing the cost-benefit analysis and reporting findings to inform subsequent legislative decisions about sustainability-related building standards.

Notes

  • The available description does not include the exact methodology requirements for the cost-benefit analysis (e.g., discount rates, time horizon, or what counts as benefits/costs), nor the precise amounts of any appropriations. The bill text would provide these specifics.
  • The bill’s broader policy implications depend on how the Legislature uses the auditor’s findings to shape future building standards and related investments.

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

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