The proposed bill introduces the "Next Generation Public Buildings Act," which establishes new regulations under Title 23 of the General Laws concerning health and safety. It mandates that all new construction, renovations, and expansions of state and municipal buildings open to the public, commenced after January 1, 2028, must prohibit the use of combustion-based heating for air or water heating. Additionally, these buildings must 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 for buildings specifically designed for occupancy of a laboratory, hospital, or crematorium, with the stipulation that these buildings should seek to minimize emissions and maximize health and safety.

Municipalities may apply to the state building code standards committee for a waiver of the provisions if compliance would impose an undue hardship. The bill also allows for inspections by local officials to ensure compliance with these regulations, and the building codes standards committee is responsible for adopting and promulgating all necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this act. The act is set to take effect upon passage.