The bill H.718, introduced by Representative Campbell, seeks to improve building energy efficiency in Vermont by mandating the Division of Fire Safety to adopt a new residential building code based on the International Residential Code, effective January 1, 2028. This initiative aims to create a consistent framework for implementing energy codes. The bill also establishes a Residential Contractor Regulation Task Force, which will enhance the contractor registry by requiring contractors to disclose any criminal records prior to contract execution. Additionally, it updates energy education requirements for regulated professionals to ensure they are knowledgeable about energy codes and building systems.

Moreover, the bill empowers municipalities to administer and enforce the Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) and the Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES). It allocates grant funding to support the development of the residential building code and provides financial resources for technical assistance to municipalities adopting these standards. The Task Force is tasked with annual reporting on its findings, and the bill includes a review of the regulation of certain energy professionals by the Office of Professional Regulation. It appropriates $200,000 from the Fuel Efficiency Fund for the fiscal year 2027 to develop a consumer-oriented website and marketing plan to raise awareness of the residential contractor registry, with a launch target of December 31, 2027. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing time for the necessary preparations.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3-138, 20-2731, 20-2884, 26-905, 26-2193, 30-51, 30-53