House Bill No. 1360 aims to amend regulations concerning the construction and alteration of residential and commercial buildings in Texas. The bill modifies Section 3000.002(c) of the Government Code by adding several exemptions to the regulations, including standards for energy codes adopted by the State Energy Conservation Office, energy and water conservation design standards, and high-performance building standards. Additionally, it clarifies that certain building regulations do not apply to structures designated for historical or cultural significance, as well as those located near military bases or in designated historic districts.
Furthermore, the bill revises Section 388.003 of the Health and Safety Code, establishing guidelines for the adoption of energy codes for single-family residential and other types of construction. It mandates that the State Energy Conservation Office conduct analyses to assess the impact of any amendments or adoptions on housing affordability and construction costs. The bill also stipulates that the office must provide opportunities for public comment on proposed energy codes, ensuring that various stakeholders, including builders and local authorities, can participate in the process. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: Government Code 3000.002, Health and Safety Code 55.115 (Government Code 3000, Health and Safety Code 55)
House Committee Report: Government Code 3000.002, Health and Safety Code 55.115 (Government Code 3000, Health and Safety Code 55)