SB215 Summary

• Creates the Healthier Homes Construction Practices Act to address mold buildup, component damage, and wood warping in homes under construction due to temperature and humidity issues.

• Requires counties and municipalities that enforce building codes to establish procedures allowing temporary installation and activation of electricity or gas in residential dwellings under construction.

• Specifies prerequisites for temporary-permanent electricity including secured structure, completed inspections, installed drywall, HVAC equipment with MERV 4 filters, licensed contractor certification, and compliance with utility provider requirements.

• Specifies prerequisites for temporary-permanent gas including secured structure, installed gas lines with pressure testing, certified gas fitter approval, HVAC equipment with MERV 4 filters, and proof of code compliance and inspection passage.

• Prohibits structures with temporary utilities from being occupied and requires all final inspections to be completed before permanent electricity or gas can be permitted; becomes effective three months after passage.