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Bill

Bill

HB 144

Revise building code council membership laws

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Tilleman

Montana revises building code council membership rules, potentially shifting whose interests influence statewide construction and safety standards.

Chapter Number Assigned
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Bill Summary · HB 144

Legislative bill overview

HB 144 revises the membership composition and appointment procedures for Montana's building code council, the body responsible for adopting and updating statewide building codes. The bill modifies how council members are selected and potentially what interests or expertise they must represent on the council.

Why is this important

Building codes directly affect construction costs, safety standards, and housing affordability across Montana. Changes to council membership can shift whose priorities influence these codes—whether that favors builders, consumers, contractors, accessibility advocates, or environmental interests. This matters to anyone involved in construction, homebuying, or community development.

Potential points of contention

  • Representation balance: Depending on specific membership changes, the bill may favor certain industry groups (builders, developers) over consumer or safety interests, or vice versa
  • Expertise requirements: Alterations to qualification standards could make the council more or less technically competent, affecting code quality
  • Appointment process: Changes to how members are selected could affect whether the council represents diverse stakeholder interests or becomes dominated by particular constituencies

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

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