Bill > HB2657

This bill modifies Oregon state law to enhance building safety standards for essential facilities by authorizing two key regulatory boards to establish specialized licensing requirements and mandating specific fireproofing standards. The Building Codes Structures Board will now be permitted to set licensing standards for structural masonry work in essential facilities, while the Construction Contractors Board can establish licensing standards for applying or installing fireproofing materials in these same facilities. The Department of Consumer and Business Services is required to adopt new rules ensuring adequate fireproofing in newly constructed essential facilities, with specific requirements that fireproofing materials must meet a minimum two-hour fire resistance standard and follow national fire protection codes and standards. The bill defines "essential facilities" through a reference to existing state law and includes provisions for how these new requirements will be implemented, specifying that the changes will apply to construction beginning on or after January 1, 2026. The legislation also allows regulatory bodies to begin preparing rules and taking necessary actions in advance of the January 2026 operative date, ensuring a smooth transition to the new building safety requirements.

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2657