House energy committee reports H.718 on building energy efficiency to Appropriations

The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee voted to report H.718, an act relating to building energy efficiency, favorable with amendment and referred the measure to the Appropriations Committee.

Representative Campbell, speaking to the committee, summarized the key changes in draft 3.1, saying the latest version "changed the funding" approach and that the sponsors are "positing that we would take some money ... from the general fund to fund improving the residential contractor registry and making it ... much more user friendly for consumers and for contractors." He described that as the major change and said the draft also revises energy education modules required of certain licensed trades.

The committee conducted a straw poll and then a formal motion to report the bill "favorable with amendment." Members recorded their votes as part of the meeting record and the committee chair asked the bill reporter to notify the clerk so the measure can be placed on the calendar and go to Appropriations.

Why it matters: The bill aims to stimulate compliance with energy codes through market mechanisms rather than enforcement, and would direct state funds to improve how residential contractors are registered and found by consumers — changes proponents say will support more energy-efficient building practices.

What’s next: The committee reported the bill to Appropriations; staff will notify the clerk and the measure will appear on the notice calendar for consideration by that committee.