The bill, as outlined in the Massachusetts FY 2026 Final Budget, mandates the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) to study the feasibility and efficacy of utilizing licensed third-party inspectors for inspections of manufactured housing, off-site construction, and multifamily housing projects. The study will be conducted in consultation with the Office of Public Safety and Inspections and the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards. A report detailing the findings, including training recommendations and licensure guidelines, is required to be submitted to various legislative committees by January 1, 2026.

The bill emphasizes the importance of modular and off-site construction in addressing Massachusetts' housing affordability crisis, highlighting the need for a regulatory framework that aligns with modern construction practices. It proposes clarifying inspection authority in the building code to prevent local building officials from re-inspecting factory-built components already approved by the state, thereby reducing delays in the construction process. The bill also calls for ongoing education and outreach to local building officials to promote consistent application of regulations and improve the efficiency of inspections, ultimately supporting the broader adoption of modular construction methods in the state.