The bill amends Section 23-27.3-100.1.5.4 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-27.3, titled "State Building Code," to establish a state energy conservation code that aligns with nationally and internationally recognized standards. The state building code standards committee is tasked with adopting this energy conservation code, which must meet or exceed the most recent International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and include provisions for building construction, renewable energy use, energy efficiency, and building orientation. Notably, the bill specifies that the 2021 IECC will not be adopted, while the 2024 IECC must be adopted within three months of its release. Additionally, future versions of the IECC published between 2025 and 2029 can only be adopted if determined to be more energy-efficient than the current version in use, with the department of business regulation responsible for making this determination within three months of any update.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the state building code standards committee develop a compliance plan to ensure that at least 90% of new and renovated residential and commercial buildings adhere to the updated energy conservation code within six months of its adoption. This plan must include training and enforcement programs, as well as annual compliance measurement. The act also establishes a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 IECC until January 1, 2030, unless approved by the legislature and enacted by the governor. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
631: 23-27.3-100.1.5.4