The bill amends the State Building Code by instituting a moratorium on the adoption of new or amended building codes without prior legislative approval. It specifies that starting in 2026, the commissioner must review and adopt new model building codes within two years of their publication, but cannot adopt any new building codes before this date unless approved by law. Additionally, any changes to energy codes must demonstrate that increased costs for residential construction will be offset by savings within five years. The bill also clarifies that the limitations on code adoption do not apply to changes necessary for immediate public health, safety, and welfare.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new provision that prohibits municipalities from requiring additional inspections for areas of building code competency if a project has already been approved by a certified building official or inspector. This aims to streamline the inspection process and reduce unnecessary burdens on construction projects. The effective date of these changes is retroactive to January 1, 2020, applying to any rules proposed or adopted but not yet effective as of that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 326B.106, 326B.121