| Old | New | Differences | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | Amended IN Senate April | |
| 1 | + | Amended IN Senate April 08, 2025 Amended IN Senate March 25, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 655Introduced by Senator SternFebruary 20, 2025An act to add Section 17958.13 17921.12 to the Health and Safety Code, to add Section 25237 to the Public Resources Code, and to add Section 739.16 to the Public Utilities Code, relating to housing. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 655, as amended, Stern. Residential buildings: indoor temperature.(1) Existing law, the California Building Standards Law, establishes the California Building Standards Commission within the Department of General Services. Existing law requires the commission to approve and adopt building standards and to codify those standards in the California Building Standards Code. Existing law requires the commission to publish, or cause to be published, editions of the code in its entirety every 3 years, and to publish, or cause to be published, supplements as necessary in the intervening period. Existing law requires all state agencies that adopt or propose to adopt a building standard to submit the building standard to the commission for approval and adoption. Among other things, existing law required the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, also known as the Energy Commission, on or before January 1, 2019, and in consultation with the Contractors State License Board, local building officials, and other stakeholders, to approve a plan that promotes compliance with specified regulations relating to building energy efficiency standards in the installation of central air conditioning and heat pumps, as specified.Existing law establishes the Department of Housing and Community Development in the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Existing law, the State Housing Law, requires the department to propose the adoption, amendment, or repeal of building standards to the California Building Standards Commission and to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and regulations for the protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of the occupant and the public relating to specified residential structures, as provided, which apply throughout the state.This bill would require the Department of Housing and Community Development, on or before the next rulemaking cycle for the triennial update to the California Building Standards Code, adopted after January 1, 2026, to develop Development to research, develop, and propose for adoption, passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, among other things, the use of mechanical ventilation, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units, and to share those passive and active strategies with the California Building Standards Commission. units.The bill would require the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development, on or before an unspecified date, to each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards described above, subject to specified requirements.(2) Existing law requires the Energy Commission to establish and administer a statewide incentive program for low-carbon building technologies, as provided.This bill would require the Energy Commission and other relevant departments to develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative and low-energy cooling strategies, as provided. (3) The California Constitution establishes the Public Utilities Commission and authorizes the commission to establish rules for all public utilities, subject to control by the Legislature. Existing law requires the commission to designate a baseline quantity of gas and electricity that is necessary to supply a significant portion of the reasonable energy needs of the average residential customer. Existing law requires the commission to establish a standard limited allowance that is in addition to the baseline quantity, as provided, of gas and electricity for residential customers dependent on life-support equipment. Existing law requires every electrical and gas corporation to file a schedule of rates and charges providing baseline rates, as provided. The bill would state the intent of the Legislature that, among other things, the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electric bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5% of household income. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States with heat waves increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity.(b) The State Department of Public Health in 2023 reported 395 excess deaths in California during a 10-day heat wave in September 2022.(c) The California Fourth Climate Change Assessment estimates that by 2050 urban heat-related deaths could double or triple due to rising temperatures.(d) California residential building standards, based on international and uniform model codes, have long specified that residential dwelling units must be able to maintain a minimum indoor air temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 degrees Celsius, yet there is no requirement with respect to a maximum indoor air temperature for residential dwelling units.(e) Vulnerable and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by extreme heat more than other communities.SEC. 2.Section 17958.13 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:17958.13.(a)(1)On or before the next rulemaking cycle for the triennial update to the California Building Standards Code, adopted after January 1, 2026, the SEC. 2. Section 17921.12 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall develop research, develop, and propose for adoption passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (2)The Department of Housing and Community Development shall share the passive and active strategies developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to paragraph (1) with the California Building Standards Commission.(b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.SEC. 3. Section 25237 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:25237. The commission and other relevant departments shall develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative passive and low-energy cooling strategies focusing on the use of cool roofs, cool walls, window shading, building shading, weatherization, and landscaping.SEC. 4. Section 739.16 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:739.16. It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electricity bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5 percent of household income.SEC. 5. It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to the consideration by state agencies and departments of a state policy on a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings, and for state agencies and departments to revise, adopt, or establish policies, regulations, and grant criteria, as applicable, pertinent to a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings. | |
| 2 | 2 | ||
| 3 | - | ||
| 3 | + | Amended IN Senate April 08, 2025 Amended IN Senate March 25, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Bill No. 655Introduced by Senator SternFebruary 20, 2025An act to add Section 17958.13 17921.12 to the Health and Safety Code, to add Section 25237 to the Public Resources Code, and to add Section 739.16 to the Public Utilities Code, relating to housing. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSB 655, as amended, Stern. Residential buildings: indoor temperature.(1) Existing law, the California Building Standards Law, establishes the California Building Standards Commission within the Department of General Services. Existing law requires the commission to approve and adopt building standards and to codify those standards in the California Building Standards Code. Existing law requires the commission to publish, or cause to be published, editions of the code in its entirety every 3 years, and to publish, or cause to be published, supplements as necessary in the intervening period. Existing law requires all state agencies that adopt or propose to adopt a building standard to submit the building standard to the commission for approval and adoption. Among other things, existing law required the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, also known as the Energy Commission, on or before January 1, 2019, and in consultation with the Contractors State License Board, local building officials, and other stakeholders, to approve a plan that promotes compliance with specified regulations relating to building energy efficiency standards in the installation of central air conditioning and heat pumps, as specified.Existing law establishes the Department of Housing and Community Development in the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Existing law, the State Housing Law, requires the department to propose the adoption, amendment, or repeal of building standards to the California Building Standards Commission and to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and regulations for the protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of the occupant and the public relating to specified residential structures, as provided, which apply throughout the state.This bill would require the Department of Housing and Community Development, on or before the next rulemaking cycle for the triennial update to the California Building Standards Code, adopted after January 1, 2026, to develop Development to research, develop, and propose for adoption, passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, among other things, the use of mechanical ventilation, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units, and to share those passive and active strategies with the California Building Standards Commission. units.The bill would require the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development, on or before an unspecified date, to each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards described above, subject to specified requirements.(2) Existing law requires the Energy Commission to establish and administer a statewide incentive program for low-carbon building technologies, as provided.This bill would require the Energy Commission and other relevant departments to develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative and low-energy cooling strategies, as provided. (3) The California Constitution establishes the Public Utilities Commission and authorizes the commission to establish rules for all public utilities, subject to control by the Legislature. Existing law requires the commission to designate a baseline quantity of gas and electricity that is necessary to supply a significant portion of the reasonable energy needs of the average residential customer. Existing law requires the commission to establish a standard limited allowance that is in addition to the baseline quantity, as provided, of gas and electricity for residential customers dependent on life-support equipment. Existing law requires every electrical and gas corporation to file a schedule of rates and charges providing baseline rates, as provided. The bill would state the intent of the Legislature that, among other things, the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electric bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5% of household income. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO | |
| 4 | 4 | ||
| 5 | - | ||
| 5 | + | Amended IN Senate April 08, 2025 Amended IN Senate March 25, 2025 | |
| 6 | 6 | ||
| 7 | - | Amended IN Senate April 21, 2025 | |
| 8 | 7 | Amended IN Senate April 08, 2025 | |
| 9 | 8 | Amended IN Senate March 25, 2025 | |
| 10 | - | ||
| 11 | - | ||
| 12 | 9 | ||
| 13 | 10 | CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION | |
| 14 | 11 | ||
| 15 | 12 | Senate Bill | |
| 16 | 13 | ||
| 17 | 14 | No. 655 | |
| 18 | 15 | ||
| 19 | 16 | Introduced by Senator SternFebruary 20, 2025 | |
| 20 | 17 | ||
| 21 | 18 | Introduced by Senator Stern | |
| 22 | 19 | February 20, 2025 | |
| 23 | 20 | ||
| 24 | - | ||
| 25 | - | ||
| 26 | - | An act to add Section 17921.12 to the Health and Safety Code, to add Section 25237 to the Public Resources Code, and to add Section 739.16 to the Public Utilities Code, relating to housing. | |
| 21 | + | An act to add Section 17958.13 17921.12 to the Health and Safety Code, to add Section 25237 to the Public Resources Code, and to add Section 739.16 to the Public Utilities Code, relating to housing. | |
| 27 | 22 | ||
| 28 | 23 | LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 29 | 24 | ||
| 30 | 25 | ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST | |
| 31 | 26 | ||
| 32 | - | SB 655, as amended, Stern. Residential buildings: | |
| 27 | + | SB 655, as amended, Stern. Residential buildings: indoor temperature. | |
| 33 | 28 | ||
| 34 | - | (1) | |
| 29 | + | (1) Existing law, the California Building Standards Law, establishes the California Building Standards Commission within the Department of General Services. Existing law requires the commission to approve and adopt building standards and to codify those standards in the California Building Standards Code. Existing law requires the commission to publish, or cause to be published, editions of the code in its entirety every 3 years, and to publish, or cause to be published, supplements as necessary in the intervening period. Existing law requires all state agencies that adopt or propose to adopt a building standard to submit the building standard to the commission for approval and adoption. Among other things, existing law required the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, also known as the Energy Commission, on or before January 1, 2019, and in consultation with the Contractors State License Board, local building officials, and other stakeholders, to approve a plan that promotes compliance with specified regulations relating to building energy efficiency standards in the installation of central air conditioning and heat pumps, as specified.Existing law establishes the Department of Housing and Community Development in the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Existing law, the State Housing Law, requires the department to propose the adoption, amendment, or repeal of building standards to the California Building Standards Commission and to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and regulations for the protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of the occupant and the public relating to specified residential structures, as provided, which apply throughout the state.This bill would require the Department of Housing and Community Development, on or before the next rulemaking cycle for the triennial update to the California Building Standards Code, adopted after January 1, 2026, to develop Development to research, develop, and propose for adoption, passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, among other things, the use of mechanical ventilation, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units, and to share those passive and active strategies with the California Building Standards Commission. units.The bill would require the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development, on or before an unspecified date, to each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards described above, subject to specified requirements.(2) Existing law requires the Energy Commission to establish and administer a statewide incentive program for low-carbon building technologies, as provided.This bill would require the Energy Commission and other relevant departments to develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative and low-energy cooling strategies, as provided. (3) The California Constitution establishes the Public Utilities Commission and authorizes the commission to establish rules for all public utilities, subject to control by the Legislature. Existing law requires the commission to designate a baseline quantity of gas and electricity that is necessary to supply a significant portion of the reasonable energy needs of the average residential customer. Existing law requires the commission to establish a standard limited allowance that is in addition to the baseline quantity, as provided, of gas and electricity for residential customers dependent on life-support equipment. Existing law requires every electrical and gas corporation to file a schedule of rates and charges providing baseline rates, as provided. The bill would state the intent of the Legislature that, among other things, the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electric bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5% of household income. | |
| 35 | 30 | ||
| 36 | - | (1)Existing | |
| 37 | - | ||
| 38 | - | Existing law, the California Building Standards Law, establishes the California Building Standards Commission within the Department of General Services. Existing law requires the commission to approve and adopt building standards and to codify those standards in the California Building Standards Code. Existing law requires the commission to publish, or cause to be published, editions of the code in its entirety every 3 years, and to publish, or cause to be published, supplements as necessary in the intervening period. Existing law requires all state agencies that adopt or propose to adopt a building standard to submit the building standard to the commission for approval and adoption. Among other things, existing law required the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, also known as the Energy Commission, on or before January 1, 2019, and in consultation with the Contractors State License Board, local building officials, and other stakeholders, to approve a plan that promotes compliance with specified regulations relating to building energy efficiency standards in the installation of central air conditioning and heat pumps, as specified. | |
| 31 | + | (1) Existing law, the California Building Standards Law, establishes the California Building Standards Commission within the Department of General Services. Existing law requires the commission to approve and adopt building standards and to codify those standards in the California Building Standards Code. Existing law requires the commission to publish, or cause to be published, editions of the code in its entirety every 3 years, and to publish, or cause to be published, supplements as necessary in the intervening period. Existing law requires all state agencies that adopt or propose to adopt a building standard to submit the building standard to the commission for approval and adoption. Among other things, existing law required the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, also known as the Energy Commission, on or before January 1, 2019, and in consultation with the Contractors State License Board, local building officials, and other stakeholders, to approve a plan that promotes compliance with specified regulations relating to building energy efficiency standards in the installation of central air conditioning and heat pumps, as specified. | |
| 39 | 32 | ||
| 40 | 33 | Existing law establishes the Department of Housing and Community Development in the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency. Existing law, the State Housing Law, requires the department to propose the adoption, amendment, or repeal of building standards to the California Building Standards Commission and to adopt, amend, or repeal rules and regulations for the protection of the health, safety, and general welfare of the occupant and the public relating to specified residential structures, as provided, which apply throughout the state. | |
| 41 | 34 | ||
| 42 | - | This bill would require the Department of Housing and Community Development to research, develop, and propose for adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, among other things, the use of mechanical ventilation, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. | |
| 35 | + | This bill would require the Department of Housing and Community Development, on or before the next rulemaking cycle for the triennial update to the California Building Standards Code, adopted after January 1, 2026, to develop Development to research, develop, and propose for adoption, passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, among other things, the use of mechanical ventilation, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units, and to share those passive and active strategies with the California Building Standards Commission. units. | |
| 43 | 36 | ||
| 44 | - | The bill would require the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development, on or before an unspecified date, to each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the standards described above, subject to specified requirements. | |
| 37 | + | The bill would require the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development, on or before an unspecified date, to each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards described above, subject to specified requirements. | |
| 45 | 38 | ||
| 46 | 39 | (2) Existing law requires the Energy Commission to establish and administer a statewide incentive program for low-carbon building technologies, as provided. | |
| 47 | 40 | ||
| 48 | 41 | This bill would require the Energy Commission and other relevant departments to develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative and low-energy cooling strategies, as provided. | |
| 49 | 42 | ||
| 50 | 43 | (3) The California Constitution establishes the Public Utilities Commission and authorizes the commission to establish rules for all public utilities, subject to control by the Legislature. Existing law requires the commission to designate a baseline quantity of gas and electricity that is necessary to supply a significant portion of the reasonable energy needs of the average residential customer. Existing law requires the commission to establish a standard limited allowance that is in addition to the baseline quantity, as provided, of gas and electricity for residential customers dependent on life-support equipment. Existing law requires every electrical and gas corporation to file a schedule of rates and charges providing baseline rates, as provided. | |
| 51 | 44 | ||
| 52 | - | The bill would state the intent of the Legislature that, among other things, the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electric bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5% of household income. | |
| 45 | + | The bill would state the intent of the Legislature that, among other things, the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electric bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5% of household income. | |
| 53 | 46 | ||
| 54 | 47 | ## Digest Key | |
| 55 | 48 | ||
| 56 | 49 | ## Bill Text | |
| 57 | 50 | ||
| 58 | - | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States with heat waves increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity.(b) The State Department of Public Health in 2023 reported 395 excess deaths in California during a 10-day heat wave in September 2022.(c) The California Fourth Climate Change Assessment estimates that by 2050 urban heat-related deaths could double or triple due to rising temperatures.(d) California residential building standards, based on international and uniform model codes, have long specified that residential dwelling units must be able to maintain a minimum indoor air temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 degrees Celsius, yet there is no requirement with respect to a maximum indoor air temperature for residential dwelling units.(e) Vulnerable and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by extreme heat more than other communities.SEC. 2. Section 17921.12 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall research, develop, and propose for adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.SEC. 3.Section 25237 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:25237.The commission and other relevant departments shall develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative passive and low-energy cooling strategies focusing on the use of cool roofs, cool walls, window shading, building shading, weatherization, and landscaping.SEC. 4.Section 739.16 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:739.16.It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electricity bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5 percent of household income.SEC. 5 | |
| 51 | + | The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States with heat waves increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity.(b) The State Department of Public Health in 2023 reported 395 excess deaths in California during a 10-day heat wave in September 2022.(c) The California Fourth Climate Change Assessment estimates that by 2050 urban heat-related deaths could double or triple due to rising temperatures.(d) California residential building standards, based on international and uniform model codes, have long specified that residential dwelling units must be able to maintain a minimum indoor air temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 degrees Celsius, yet there is no requirement with respect to a maximum indoor air temperature for residential dwelling units.(e) Vulnerable and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by extreme heat more than other communities.SEC. 2.Section 17958.13 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:17958.13.(a)(1)On or before the next rulemaking cycle for the triennial update to the California Building Standards Code, adopted after January 1, 2026, the SEC. 2. Section 17921.12 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall develop research, develop, and propose for adoption passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (2)The Department of Housing and Community Development shall share the passive and active strategies developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to paragraph (1) with the California Building Standards Commission.(b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.SEC. 3. Section 25237 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:25237. The commission and other relevant departments shall develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative passive and low-energy cooling strategies focusing on the use of cool roofs, cool walls, window shading, building shading, weatherization, and landscaping.SEC. 4. Section 739.16 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:739.16. It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electricity bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5 percent of household income.SEC. 5. It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to the consideration by state agencies and departments of a state policy on a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings, and for state agencies and departments to revise, adopt, or establish policies, regulations, and grant criteria, as applicable, pertinent to a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings. | |
| 59 | 52 | ||
| 60 | 53 | The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 61 | 54 | ||
| 62 | 55 | ## The people of the State of California do enact as follows: | |
| 63 | 56 | ||
| 64 | 57 | SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States with heat waves increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity.(b) The State Department of Public Health in 2023 reported 395 excess deaths in California during a 10-day heat wave in September 2022.(c) The California Fourth Climate Change Assessment estimates that by 2050 urban heat-related deaths could double or triple due to rising temperatures.(d) California residential building standards, based on international and uniform model codes, have long specified that residential dwelling units must be able to maintain a minimum indoor air temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 degrees Celsius, yet there is no requirement with respect to a maximum indoor air temperature for residential dwelling units.(e) Vulnerable and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by extreme heat more than other communities. | |
| 65 | 58 | ||
| 66 | 59 | SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States with heat waves increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity.(b) The State Department of Public Health in 2023 reported 395 excess deaths in California during a 10-day heat wave in September 2022.(c) The California Fourth Climate Change Assessment estimates that by 2050 urban heat-related deaths could double or triple due to rising temperatures.(d) California residential building standards, based on international and uniform model codes, have long specified that residential dwelling units must be able to maintain a minimum indoor air temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 degrees Celsius, yet there is no requirement with respect to a maximum indoor air temperature for residential dwelling units.(e) Vulnerable and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by extreme heat more than other communities. | |
| 67 | 60 | ||
| 68 | 61 | SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: | |
| 69 | 62 | ||
| 70 | 63 | ### SECTION 1. | |
| 71 | 64 | ||
| 72 | 65 | (a) Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States with heat waves increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity. | |
| 73 | 66 | ||
| 74 | 67 | (b) The State Department of Public Health in 2023 reported 395 excess deaths in California during a 10-day heat wave in September 2022. | |
| 75 | 68 | ||
| 76 | 69 | (c) The California Fourth Climate Change Assessment estimates that by 2050 urban heat-related deaths could double or triple due to rising temperatures. | |
| 77 | 70 | ||
| 78 | 71 | (d) California residential building standards, based on international and uniform model codes, have long specified that residential dwelling units must be able to maintain a minimum indoor air temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or 20 degrees Celsius, yet there is no requirement with respect to a maximum indoor air temperature for residential dwelling units. | |
| 79 | 72 | ||
| 80 | 73 | (e) Vulnerable and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by extreme heat more than other communities. | |
| 81 | 74 | ||
| 82 | - | SEC. 2. Section 17921.12 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall research, develop, and propose for adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. | |
| 75 | + | ||
| 76 | + | ||
| 77 | + | ||
| 78 | + | ||
| 79 | + | (a)(1)On or before the next rulemaking cycle for the triennial update to the California Building Standards Code, adopted after January 1, 2026, the | |
| 80 | + | ||
| 81 | + | ||
| 82 | + | ||
| 83 | + | SEC. 2. Section 17921.12 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall develop research, develop, and propose for adoption passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (2)The Department of Housing and Community Development shall share the passive and active strategies developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to paragraph (1) with the California Building Standards Commission.(b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. | |
| 83 | 84 | ||
| 84 | 85 | SEC. 2. Section 17921.12 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: | |
| 85 | 86 | ||
| 86 | 87 | ### SEC. 2. | |
| 87 | 88 | ||
| 88 | - | 17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall research, develop, and propose for adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. | |
| 89 | + | 17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall develop research, develop, and propose for adoption passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (2)The Department of Housing and Community Development shall share the passive and active strategies developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to paragraph (1) with the California Building Standards Commission.(b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. | |
| 89 | 90 | ||
| 90 | - | 17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall research, develop, and propose for adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. | |
| 91 | + | 17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall develop research, develop, and propose for adoption passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (2)The Department of Housing and Community Development shall share the passive and active strategies developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to paragraph (1) with the California Building Standards Commission.(b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. | |
| 91 | 92 | ||
| 92 | - | 17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall research, develop, and propose for adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. | |
| 93 | + | 17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall develop research, develop, and propose for adoption passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. (2)The Department of Housing and Community Development shall share the passive and active strategies developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to paragraph (1) with the California Building Standards Commission.(b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a).(1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. | |
| 93 | 94 | ||
| 94 | - | 17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall research, develop, and propose for adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. | |
| 95 | 95 | ||
| 96 | - | ###### 17921.12. | |
| 97 | 96 | ||
| 98 | - | (b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a). | |
| 97 | + | 17921.12. (a) The Department of Housing and Community Development shall develop research, develop, and propose for adoption passive and active strategies, adoption by the California Building Standards Commission for the next triennial update of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations) that occurs on or after January 1, 2026, standards that may include, but are not limited to, the use of mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation, shading, and cooling techniques, to achieve a maximum safe indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit for newly constructed residential dwelling units. | |
| 98 | + | ||
| 99 | + | (2)The Department of Housing and Community Development shall share the passive and active strategies developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to paragraph (1) with the California Building Standards Commission. | |
| 100 | + | ||
| 101 | + | ||
| 102 | + | ||
| 103 | + | (b) On or before____, the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development shall each submit a report to the Legislature that includes the passive and active strategies standards developed and proposed for adoption pursuant to subdivision (a). | |
| 99 | 104 | ||
| 100 | 105 | (1) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on January 1, 2031, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code. | |
| 101 | 106 | ||
| 102 | 107 | (2) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. | |
| 103 | 108 | ||
| 104 | - | The commission and other relevant departments shall develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative passive and low-energy cooling strategies focusing on the use of cool roofs, cool walls, window shading, building shading, weatherization, and landscaping. | |
| 109 | + | SEC. 3. Section 25237 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:25237. The commission and other relevant departments shall develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative passive and low-energy cooling strategies focusing on the use of cool roofs, cool walls, window shading, building shading, weatherization, and landscaping. | |
| 105 | 110 | ||
| 106 | - | ||
| 111 | + | SEC. 3. Section 25237 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read: | |
| 107 | 112 | ||
| 108 | - | ||
| 113 | + | ### SEC. 3. | |
| 109 | 114 | ||
| 110 | - | ||
| 115 | + | 25237. The commission and other relevant departments shall develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative passive and low-energy cooling strategies focusing on the use of cool roofs, cool walls, window shading, building shading, weatherization, and landscaping. | |
| 111 | 116 | ||
| 112 | - | ||
| 117 | + | 25237. The commission and other relevant departments shall develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative passive and low-energy cooling strategies focusing on the use of cool roofs, cool walls, window shading, building shading, weatherization, and landscaping. | |
| 113 | 118 | ||
| 114 | - | ### SEC. 5.SEC. 3. | |
| 119 | + | 25237. The commission and other relevant departments shall develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative passive and low-energy cooling strategies focusing on the use of cool roofs, cool walls, window shading, building shading, weatherization, and landscaping. | |
| 120 | + | ||
| 121 | + | ||
| 122 | + | ||
| 123 | + | 25237. The commission and other relevant departments shall develop an inventory of incentive programs that provide incentives for alternative passive and low-energy cooling strategies focusing on the use of cool roofs, cool walls, window shading, building shading, weatherization, and landscaping. | |
| 124 | + | ||
| 125 | + | SEC. 4. Section 739.16 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read:739.16. It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electricity bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5 percent of household income. | |
| 126 | + | ||
| 127 | + | SEC. 4. Section 739.16 is added to the Public Utilities Code, to read: | |
| 128 | + | ||
| 129 | + | ### SEC. 4. | |
| 130 | + | ||
| 131 | + | 739.16. It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electricity bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5 percent of household income. | |
| 132 | + | ||
| 133 | + | 739.16. It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electricity bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5 percent of household income. | |
| 134 | + | ||
| 135 | + | 739.16. It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electricity bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5 percent of household income. | |
| 136 | + | ||
| 137 | + | ||
| 138 | + | ||
| 139 | + | 739.16. It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission modify how baseline rates are calculated for high-heat climate zones to support affordable maintenance of a residential maximum indoor air temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit that results in the average electricity bill of households in high-heat climate zones not exceeding 5 percent of household income. | |
| 140 | + | ||
| 141 | + | SEC. 5. It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to the consideration by state agencies and departments of a state policy on a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings, and for state agencies and departments to revise, adopt, or establish policies, regulations, and grant criteria, as applicable, pertinent to a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings. | |
| 142 | + | ||
| 143 | + | SEC. 5. It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to the consideration by state agencies and departments of a state policy on a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings, and for state agencies and departments to revise, adopt, or establish policies, regulations, and grant criteria, as applicable, pertinent to a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings. | |
| 144 | + | ||
| 145 | + | SEC. 5. It is the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation relating to the consideration by state agencies and departments of a state policy on a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings, and for state agencies and departments to revise, adopt, or establish policies, regulations, and grant criteria, as applicable, pertinent to a safe maximum indoor temperature in all residential dwellings. | |
| 146 | + | ||
| 147 | + | ### SEC. 5. |