House Bill No. 871 amends the Local Government Code to update the municipal residential and commercial building codes by adopting the International Residential Code and the International Building Code as they existed on May 1, 2018, replacing the previous reference to May 1, 2012. The bill introduces new provisions that specify that for buildings related to agricultural operations, the codes as they existed on May 1, 2012, will apply instead. Additionally, municipalities are allowed to review and consider amendments made by the International Code Council to these codes after the specified date.

The changes will only apply to construction, remodeling, alteration, enlargement, or repair activities that begin under an agreement made on or after January 1, 2027. For projects initiated before this date, the existing laws at that time will continue to govern. Municipalities are required to establish rules and take necessary actions to implement these amendments by December 1, 2026, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Local Government Code 214.212, Local Government Code 214.216 (Local Government Code 214)
House Committee Report: Local Government Code 214.212, Local Government Code 214.216 (Local Government Code 214)
Engrossed: Local Government Code 214.212, Local Government Code 214.216 (Local Government Code 214)