Bill > S700

This bill creates the Office of Engineering and Codes within the Department of Labor, transferring several existing boards, councils, and divisions from the Department of Insurance to this new office. The State Engineer, who will be appointed by the Commissioner of Labor and confirmed by the General Assembly, will head the office and serve a three-year term. The new office will be responsible for overseeing multiple existing entities, including the Building Code Council, Residential Code Council, North Carolina Manufactured Housing Board, Uniform Standards Code for Manufactured Homes, North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board, North Carolina Home Inspector Licensure Board, and the Engineering and Building Codes Division. The bill provides detailed provisions for the State Engineer's powers, including the ability to adopt rules, conduct hearings, impose civil penalties, and supervise local inspectors. The legislation also ensures a smooth transition of personnel, ongoing investigations, and existing orders from the current Office of the State Fire Marshal to the new Office of Engineering and Codes. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026, and aim to consolidate and streamline various building, code, and housing-related regulatory functions under a single administrative structure.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S700