This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326B.106, subdivision 1, by repealing the requirement for the commissioner to adopt a new residential energy code. The bill retains the existing framework for the adoption of building codes, which includes the establishment of standards for construction, fire protection, health, and safety, while also allowing for the adoption of model codes and amendments to advance construction methods and protect public welfare. The commissioner is still required to act on new model commercial energy codes, aiming for significant reductions in energy consumption by 2036.

The key deletion in this bill is the removal of the mandate for the commissioner to adopt new residential energy codes starting in 2026, which would have required achieving a 70 percent reduction in annual net energy consumption by 2038. This change indicates a shift away from stringent residential energy efficiency requirements, while still maintaining a focus on commercial energy codes and the overall framework for building standards. The bill emphasizes the importance of flexibility in adopting codes that align with advancements in technology and construction practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 326B.106