The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7029 aims to establish a certification program for independent inspectors and inspection firms to conduct inspections under the State Building Code. This program will be developed by the State Building Inspector and the Codes and Standards Committee, with the approval of the Commissioner of Administrative Services. It will include classifications for inspectors and firms, detailing their duties, responsibilities, minimum qualifications, and insurance requirements. Additionally, an oversight and audit program will be implemented to ensure the quality and consistency of inspections performed by certified entities. The State Building Inspector is authorized to charge a reasonable application fee for certification, which may be waived for applicants demonstrating financial hardship.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and introduces new legal language to current law, specifically establishing the certification program as a new section. The proposed deletions are indicated in brackets, while the new insertions are highlighted, emphasizing the creation of a structured framework for independent inspections in compliance with the State Building Code.