House Bill 546 Summary

• Establishes the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code as Idaho's state energy code effective July 1, 2022, as amended and approved by the Idaho Building Code Board and Legislature.

• Preempts local governments from adopting energy codes or requirements that differ from or are more extensive than the Idaho Energy Conservation Code.

• Updates building code adoption requirements to include the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, and Idaho Energy Conservation Code, replacing previous 2006 versions.

• Allows local jurisdictions to amend only Chapters 1 and 2 (Scope/Application and Definitions) of the energy conservation code to reflect local concerns, prohibiting amendments to substantive energy requirements.

• Requires concurrent legislative approval of any rules promulgated under this act during the next regular session; temporary rules expire at session end if not approved and cannot be re-promulgated without negotiated rulemaking.