The bill amends Chapter 23-27.3 of the General Laws, which governs the State Building Code, by establishing a new building code standards committee consisting of twenty-five members appointed by the governor with senate approval. The qualifications for committee members are detailed, ensuring representation from various professional fields such as architecture and engineering. The quorum for the committee is reduced from thirteen to ten members, and it is granted the authority to adopt procedural rules. Additionally, a subcommittee focused on housing and property maintenance is created, and the committee is empowered to adopt a state building code that harmonizes fire safety and building regulations while adhering to national standards. The bill also mandates compliance with the latest National Electrical Code for all electrical work and establishes a state building code office effective January 1, 2025.

Moreover, the bill restructures the state building code office, placing it under the office of the state fire marshal instead of the Department of Business Regulation. The state building code commissioner, who must have at least ten years of relevant experience and appropriate licensure, will lead this office. The bill outlines the commissioner's duties, including enforcing building codes and developing a standardized electronic permitting system with new fee structures. It also requires regular reporting on compliance with building code provisions by municipalities. Additionally, the bill amends Section 42-35-2.9 to require a regulatory analysis before proposed rulemaking, ensuring a thorough evaluation of benefits, costs, and overlaps with existing regulations.

Statutes affected:
1089: 23-28.2-1, 42-35-2.9
1089  SUB A: 23-28.2-1, 42-35-2.9
1089  SUB A as amended: 23-28.2-1, 42-35-2.9