The bill proposes amendments to the General Laws in Chapter 23-27.3, specifically sections 23-27.3-100.1.4 and 23-27.3-100.1.5, concerning the State Building Code. It revises the composition and appointment process of the building code standards committee, expanding it to twenty-five members with diverse professional expertise, and adjusts the quorum requirement to a majority of current members. The committee is empowered to employ necessary assistance within budgetary constraints and is authorized to adopt, promulgate, and administer a state building code. This code will address conflicts between fire safety and building codes, include a rehabilitation code for existing structures, ensure ADA compliance, and mandate adherence to the latest National Electrical Code. A new section, 23-27.3-100.1.5.9, is added to cover multiple dwellings with up to six units under the same regulations as one- and two-family dwellings.

The bill also sets forth requirements for the state building code regarding building height and egress travel distance, while clarifying that it does not necessitate the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems or a fire resistance rating exceeding two hours for certain building assemblies. It tasks the state fire marshal and building commissioner with developing recommendations to harmonize fire safety codes with the building code by July 1, 2025, to be considered for implementation by January 1, 2026. These recommendations will include standards for "point access blocks" to permit a single-exit stairway for buildings up to six stories. The adoption process for these recommendations includes joint hearings by relevant authorities. The act is intended to take effect immediately upon passage, signaling the urgency of these updates to building and fire safety regulations.