The proposed bill introduces the "Next Generation Public Buildings Act," which adds Chapter 27.5 to Title 23 of the General Laws concerning health and safety. It mandates that all new construction of state and municipal buildings, including public school buildings, open to the public and commenced after January 1, 2028, as well as all renovations and replacements valued at over fifty percent (50%) of existing public state and municipal buildings, must prohibit the use of combustion-based heating for air or water heating. These buildings must also comply, to the extent feasible, with the goals outlined in the 2021 Act on Climate and adhere to the provisions of the Rhode Island conservation code as adopted from the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2024 edition.

Exemptions are provided for systems used for emergency back-up power and buildings specifically designed for occupancy of a laboratory, hospital, or crematorium, provided that these buildings seek to minimize emissions and maximize health and safety. Municipalities may apply to the state building code standards committee for a waiver of these provisions in cases where compliance would impose an undue hardship. The bill also stipulates that during inspections of public buildings or places of public accommodation, inspectors or officials responsible for code enforcement may check for compliance with this section. The building codes standards committee is tasked with adopting and promulgating all necessary rules and regulations to implement the purposes of this section. The act will take effect upon passage.