HB511 Summary

• Creates the Healthier Homes Construction Practices Act to allow counties and municipalities to establish procedures for installing and activating temporary permanent electricity or gas in dwellings under construction covered by the International Residential Code.

• Addresses indoor air quality issues in homes under construction by enabling climate control to prevent mold buildup, component damage, and wood warping caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations.

• Requires municipalities and counties to specify conditions for temporary electricity installation, including secured structure, completed inspections, installed drywall, operational HVAC equipment with MERV 4 filters, and state-licensed electrical contractor certification.

• Establishes parallel requirements for temporary gas activation, including gas line installation per code, pressure testing, licensed contractor certification, and proof of code compliance and passed inspections.

• Prohibits local jurisdictions from imposing additional requirements beyond those specified in the statute and prevents occupied structures with only temporary electricity or gas until all final inspections are completed.