Panel backs technical‑assistance grants for energy‑code enforcement; committee lays bill over

Representative Katie Jones introduced House File 3663 to create a grant program that would help cities secure technical expertise, training and tools to implement performance‑based energy‑code compliance and speed project review.

"The cheapest and cleanest kilowatt hour of energy is the one you never use," Jones said, framing energy efficiency as both cost‑saving and climate‑friendly. Jones explained the proposal would give municipalities resources to select technical experts to support code officials, particularly for complex performance‑based review pathways.

Megan Hoy (director of Climate Equity Action, City of Minneapolis) testified that updated energy codes and performance‑based compliance require additional technical review capacity that many local code offices lack; she said grants would improve consistent, fair enforcement. Will Nissen (Center for Energy and Environment) supported the legislation, saying energy codes are foundational for comfort and affordability over a building’s life and that municipalities often need extra resources to review complex models.

Members questioned whether continuing education and existing tools already provide the necessary training and why the draft targets cities with populations over 50,000; Representative Jones said large cities tend to see more complex projects but the targeting can be reconsidered. Representative Mecklen noted continuing education requirements but committee members observed some local offices still lack needed capacity.

The committee laid HF3663 over for further conversations; no final appropriation or vote was taken at the hearing.