This bill seeks to reorganize and modernize the state building and fire code by repealing certain sections of the Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) and reenacting them with modifications. Key changes include replacing the term "inspector" with "official" in various provisions, such as RSA 147:16-a and RSA 155:39-d, to clarify the roles of municipal officials in enforcing building and fire safety regulations. The bill also introduces new definitions for terms like "district commissioners," "local governing body," and "local legislative body," enhancing the clarity of governance structures related to building code enforcement. Additionally, it streamlines enforcement mechanisms, allowing municipalities to notify the state fire marshal about construction types and establishing provisions for local amendments to the building code and the creation of a Building Code Board of Appeals.

Further amendments focus on the enforcement of local ordinances and the appeals process, allowing municipalities to seek restitution from violators and issue cease and desist orders for code violations. The bill mandates that local enforcement agency ordinances and amendments to the state building code be filed for public inspection and introduces penalties for violations, categorizing them as misdemeanors or felonies based on the violator's status. It also clarifies the procedures for local building code citations and establishes a simplified residential energy code compliance form. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and clarity of building code enforcement while ensuring compliance with regulations and providing avenues for public participation in the legislative process. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 147:16-a, 153:5, 155:39-d, 155-A:1, 155-A:2, 155-A:4, 155-A:7, 155-A:10, 205-D:12, 205-D:18, 310:14, 319-C:5, 319-C:5-a, 356-A:3, 672:7, 673:3, 673:10, 673:14, 673:15, 673:22, 674:12, 674:13, 674:15, 674:21, 674:29, 674:30, 674:32-c, 674:41, 674:51, 674:53, 674:60, 674:63, 674:66, 675:1, 675:3, 675:4, 675:7, 675:8, 675:9, 676:2, 676:4-b, 676:5, 676:14, 676:15, 676:17, 676:17-a, 676:17-b
As Amended by the House: 155:39-d, 155-A:1, 155-A:2, 155-A:3, 155-A:4, 155-A:10-a, 155-A:11-b, 205-D:12, 310:14, 319-C:5, 356-A:3, 672:7, 673:3, 673:10, 673:14, 673:15, 673:22, 674:13, 674:15, 674:29, 674:30, 674:32-c, 674:41, 674:60, 674:63, 674:66, 675:1, 675:3, 675:4, 675:7, 675:8, 675:9, 676:4-b, 676:5, 676:14, 676:15, 676:17, 676:17-a, 676:17-b
As Amended by the Senate: 155:39-d, 155-A:1, 155-A:2, 155-A:3, 155-A:4, 155-A:10-a, 155-A:11-b, 205-D:12, 310:14, 319-C:5, 356-A:3, 672:7, 673:3, 673:10, 673:14, 673:15, 673:22, 674:13, 674:15, 674:29, 674:30, 674:32-c, 674:41, 674:60, 674:63, 674:66, 675:1, 675:3, 675:4, 675:7, 675:8, 675:9, 676:4-b, 676:5, 676:14, 676:15, 676:17, 676:17-a, 676:17-b
Version adopted by both bodies: 155:39-d, 155-A:1, 155-A:2, 155-A:3, 155-A:4, 155-A:10-a, 155-A:11-b, 205-D:12, 310:14, 319-C:5, 356-A:3, 672:7, 673:3, 673:10, 673:14, 673:15, 673:22, 674:13, 674:15, 674:29, 674:30, 674:32-c, 674:41, 674:60, 674:63, 674:66, 675:3, 675:4, 675:7, 675:8, 675:9, 676:4-b, 676:5, 676:14, 676:15, 676:17, 676:17-a, 676:17-b
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 155:39-d, 155-A:1, 155-A:2, 155-A:3, 155-A:4, 155-A:10-a, 155-A:11-b, 205-D:12, 310:14, 319-C:5, 356-A:3, 672:7, 673:3, 673:10, 673:14, 673:15, 673:22, 674:13, 674:15, 674:29, 674:30, 674:32-c, 674:41, 674:60, 674:63, 674:66, 675:3, 675:4, 675:7, 675:8, 675:9, 676:4-b, 676:5, 676:14, 676:15, 676:17, 676:17-a, 676:17-b