The "Healthy and Affordable Construction for Tomorrow Act" mandates the Commissioner of Community Affairs to amend the State Uniform Construction Code to prohibit the combustion of certain high-emission substances in new buildings. Specifically, the bill defines "qualifying substance" as any material that emits 25 kilograms or more of carbon dioxide per million British thermal units when combusted. The prohibition will take effect for buildings under seven stories 12 months after enactment, and for all new buildings regardless of height 36 months after enactment. The bill also stipulates that no certificate of occupancy can be issued for non-compliant structures.

Exemptions to this prohibition are provided for emergency backup power systems, emergency management facilities, and commercial food establishments, with limitations on where combustion can occur within these exempted structures. The bill emphasizes that financial considerations cannot justify non-compliance with the all-electric readiness requirement, and it mandates a review of exemptions during major code updates. Additionally, the bill allows municipalities to impose stricter regulations regarding fossil fuel use. A joint report from the Commissioner and the President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is also required to assess necessary changes to electric rate designs and related policies following the bill's enactment.