Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7738

Introduced
2/12/26  
Refer
2/12/26  
Report Pass
3/25/26  
Engrossed
4/2/26  

Caption

Establishes a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2031, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.

Impact

The bill proposes that the state building code standards committee will be required to revise the state energy conservation code to align with the 2024 IECC within one year of its release. Additionally, it mandates the development of a compliance plan to ensure that at least 90% of new and renovated buildings adhere to the updated energy codes. This requirement is aimed at enhancing energy conservation efforts at a statewide level, ultimately leading to improved energy savings and environmental benefits.

Summary

House Bill H7738 aims to establish a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code as outlined in the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) until January 1, 2031. The intent behind this bill is to ensure stability in building codes, allowing time for the state building code standards committee to revise the building code to comply with the new IECC without introducing further modifications during the moratorium period. This bill emphasizes the importance of adopting standards that promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in residential and commercial buildings.

Contention

While advocates of H7738 argue that a moratorium provides necessary time for careful implementation of the energy codes, critics may express concerns regarding the implications of delaying updates to the energy conservation code. Opponents may argue that extending the timeline could hinder progress toward more stringent energy efficiency standards and waste opportunities for utilizing advancements in renewable energy technologies. The balance between maintaining established codes and incorporating new energy-efficient practices is likely to be a significant point of discussion among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0765

Establish a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2030, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.

RI H5846

Establish a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2030, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.

RI S0631

Establishes a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2030, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.

RI S0506

Eliminates provisions establishing a legislative regulation committee, and would also repeal the provision that codes and standards adopted by the state building code standards committee subject to approval by the legislative regulation committee.

RI H5716

Eliminates provisions establishing a legislative regulation committee, and also repeals the provision that codes and standards adopted by the state building code standards committee would be subject to approval by the legislative regulation committee.

RI S0350

Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.

RI H5373

Defines a quorum of the building code standards committee be a majority of the current board members and amends the state building code to require that sections provide that dwelling units from one to four (4) units use the international residential code.

RI S0455

Increases the net taxable estate exemption to $3,600,000 on January 1, 2026 and increases the exemption by $1,000,000 on January 1, 2027, and every year thereafter.

RI H5493

Establishes a program for the energy and water benchmarking of large buildings in Rhode Island and a standard for their energy performance.

RI S0711

Restructures the Rhode Island Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, increases its membership to 15 members, 11 of whom are to be from the general public and reallocates the percentage of the funds for housing, conservation and other goals.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.