Bill > H1310

This bill establishes a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Trust Fund to support climate resilience efforts and requires the development of a new municipal opt-in specialized stretch resilience code. The fund will receive various revenue sources and at least 50% of its annual deposits will be distributed according to an existing formula, with remaining funds available for grant programs. The bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive resilience building code that goes beyond current international building standards, incorporating forward-looking climate risk data such as flood risks, utility placement, infrastructure requirements, and provisions for withstanding extreme temperatures and winds. To develop this code, the secretary of energy and environmental affairs will form a diverse 17-member advisory committee including representatives from environmental justice, housing, engineering, municipal planning, insurance, and real estate sectors. The committee must produce recommendations within 12 months and the new stretch resilience code must be promulgated within 18 months of the act's effective date. The bill also updates existing laws to include this new specialized resilience code in the definition of specialized codes and establishes an appeals process for interpretations or enforcement of the new code, ultimately aiming to help municipalities proactively adapt to climate change challenges.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1310