ONE HUNDRED NINTH LEGISLATURE - FIRST SESSION - 2025
COMMITTEE STATEMENT
LB531
Hearing Date: Tuesday February 18, 2025
Committee On: Urban Affairs
Introducer: Kauth
One Liner: Provide an exception to the requirement that buildings constructed with state funds comply with
the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
Roll Call Vote - Final Committee Action:
Advanced to General File with amendment(s)
Vote Results:
Aye: 7 Senators McKinney, Cavanaugh, J., Andersen, Clouse, Quick,
Rountree, Sorrentino
Nay:
Absent:
Present Not Voting:
Testimony:
Proponents: Representing:
Senator Kathleen Kauth Opening Presenter
K.C. Belitz Nebraska Department of Economic Development
Amanda Brewer Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
Justin Brady Nebraska Realtors Association, Nebraska State
Home Builders Association, Metro Omaha Builders
Association, Home Builders Association of Lincoln
Adam Flanagan Welcome Home Coalition
Opponents: Representing:
Bryce Puck Self
Jeffrey C McCaslin American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
Jon Nebel Nebraska State Council of Electrical Workers
Neutral: Representing:
* ADA Accommodation Written Testimony
Summary of purpose and/or changes:
LB 531 changes and provides new provisions relating to building codes.
Section-by-Section Summary:
Committee Statement: LB531
Urban Affairs Committee
Page 1 3ba8bbc5e2f050efcc18d3af92b94231 Section 1 amends Section 58-701 of the Nebraska Affordable Housing Act to incorporate section 2 of the bill as part
of the Act.
Section 2 creates a new section of law in the Nebraska Affordable Housing Act. This section prohibits the Department
of Economic Development from requiring any new construction or rental conversion project that receives funding from
the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to comply with the International Energy Conservation Code and obtain approval of
building plans and specifications by the Department of Environment and Energy.
Section 3 amends Section 72-805 relating to buildings constructed with state funds to harmonize such section with
the creation of section 2 of the bill.
Section 4: Repealer.
Explanation of amendments:
AM 397 adds language to Section 72-805, (section 3 of the bill,) clarifying that the Department of Environment and
Energy shall not be required to review building plans and specifications upon evidence that the building plans and
specifications have previously been reviewed by a county, city, or village enforcing a local building or construction
code adopted pursuant to section 71-6406 of the Building Construction Act, if such local building or construction code
includes the requirements of the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.
Terrell McKinney, Chairperson
Committee Statement: LB531
Urban Affairs Committee
Page 2 3ba8bbc5e2f050efcc18d3af92b94231