Association Priority Legislation, That Helps Give Homeowners and Builders More Choice in Energy Features, Signed into Law
Governor Abbott on June 14 signed House Bill 3215 into law. The TAB and Dallas BA priority legislation, authored by Representative Charlie Geren and sponsored by Senator Brian Hughes, updates the existing performance-based avenue in the state energy code with the latest American National Standards Institute (ANSI) energy rating index. This will allow homeowners and builders to choose the features best suited for them and encourage innovation in energy efficiency.
The bill provides a new optional pathway for energy code compliance via the ANSI 301 standard coupled with requirements for wall and ceiling insulation. Making use of ANSI 301, recognized as a “gold-standard”, HB 3215 espouses three critical traits needed in an energy code. It is verifiable because only nationally certified raters can verify compliance; it is flexible, basing the rating on the home’s performance; and it is impactful because it provides an avenue that builders in the region market to measure their energy efficiency.
During the bill’s journey through the legislature, Dallas BA members and staff made trips to the Capitol to offer testimony and support, as well as provide needed information during the drafting of HB 3215. The law becomes effective Sept. 1, 2021.