CA AB2597

Requires the California Building Standards Commission to adopt mandatory building standards for safe maximum indoor air temperature in newly constructed dwelling units, starting with the next triennial code edition after January 1, 2023.

Directs the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop and propose mandatory building standards for safe maximum indoor air temperature in existing dwelling units and consult with stakeholders including state agencies, local officials, and community-based organizations.

Beginning one year after the standards are published, requires dwelling units to maintain adequate cooling or other means to achieve safe maximum indoor air temperatures as a condition of tenantability under Civil Code Section 1941.1.

Adds lack of cooling facilities to maintain safe maximum indoor air temperature to the definition of substandard buildings under Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3, effective one year after standards publication.

Establishes legislative intent to create statewide temperature standards allowing multiple compliance approaches including insulation, air sealing, shade, cool roofs, fans, heat pumps, and air conditioning, prioritizing methods supporting clean energy and air quality goals.