The bill amends several sections of the General Laws in Chapter 23-27.3, which governs the State Building Code, by establishing a building code standards committee with a majority of its members required for action or decision. It outlines specific qualifications for committee members and clarifies their authority to adopt and promulgate a state building code. The building code may be promulgated in several sections, including those applicable to one- and two-family dwellings, multiple dwellings with more than four residential units, and general building construction, while mandating compliance with the latest National Electrical Code for all electrical work.

Additionally, the bill creates a state building code office within the office of the state fire marshal to oversee enforcement and ensure consistent application of building codes across municipalities. It details the qualifications and responsibilities of the state building code commissioner, who will be a member of the classified service and assigned to the division of building, design, and fire professionals.

The bill also amends Section 42-35-2.9 of Chapter 42-35, requiring agencies to conduct a regulatory analysis for proposed rules before publishing notice of rulemaking. This analysis must evaluate the benefits and costs of regulatory alternatives and justify any overlaps with existing regulations. Specific requirements for regulatory analyses related to amendments to the state fire safety code, state building code, and state rehabilitation building and fire code are mandated to be completed within 150 days of a recommendation for passage. The act aims to enhance the efficiency of building code administration and ensure alignment with national standards, taking effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5804: 23-28.2-1
5804  SUB A: 23-28.2-1, 42-35-2.9
5804  SUB A as amended: 23-28.2-1, 42-35-2.9
5804  SUB B: 23-28.2-1, 42-35-2.9
5804  SUB B as amended: 23-28.2-1, 42-35-2.9