Bill would pause building-code updates for a decade and change the energy-code schedule, splitting builders and safety advocates
House Bill 2,141 would pause state building- and energy-code updates after the 2024 adoption for 10 years with limited safety exceptions, shift the regular update cycle to six years beginning in 2036, and remove the statutory 2031 requirement for a 70% residential energy-use reduction; supporters say the change would reduce cost and uncertainty for builders, while engineers and environmental groups warn it would harm safety, climate goals and long-term costs.
The full story
House Bill 2,141, introduced to the House Committee on Local Government and briefed by committee staff, would halt most state building-code updates for a decade following adoption of the 2024 model codes, bar local amendments affecting residential buildings until the 2036 edition is adopted, and then establish a six-year update cycle. The bill would also remove the statutory requirement that the state energy code achieve a 70% reduction in annual net energy consumption by 2031.
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