Bill > H0718

This bill proposes several changes related to building energy efficiency and contractor regulation in Vermont. It directs the Division of Fire Safety to assess and potentially adopt a residential building code for one- and two-unit dwellings, which currently lack such a code, to ensure consistent energy efficiency standards and improve access to federal funding. The bill also establishes a Residential Contractor Registry Task Force to improve the existing registry, which has been ineffective for the public and contractors, and to explore voluntary certifications for contractors in areas like energy codes. Furthermore, it requires contractors to disclose their criminal record, updates energy education requirements for regulated professionals to focus on how their work impacts building systems and energy efficiency, and grants municipalities the authority to administer and enforce the Residential Building Energy Standards (RBES) and the Commercial Building Energy Standards (CBES), which are state-level energy efficiency rules for new and renovated buildings.