New Mexico House Bill HB168

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25

Caption

Construction Cost Studies

Impact

If enacted, HB168 would significantly influence how new construction regulations are proposed and adopted in New Mexico. Beginning July 1, 2025, any recommendation for a minimum standard or additional specification that could alter construction costs must be accompanied by a comprehensive cost study. This requirement is expected to add an additional layer of scrutiny and validation to the regulatory process, ensuring that potential financial impacts are considered in advance. Stakeholders in the construction industry will likely welcome this as a move towards greater transparency in regulatory practices.

Summary

House Bill 168 aims to amend the Construction Industries Licensing Act in New Mexico by mandating a requirement for cost studies to be conducted prior to the approval of new rules affecting construction costs. This bill is directed towards the Construction Industries Commission and the Construction Industries Division, emphasizing the need for thorough financial evaluation of any proposed changes to regulations that might impact both commercial and residential construction expenses. The intent is to provide a clearer understanding of how changes in building codes or specifications could affect overall construction costs statewide.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding HB168 regarding the potential burdens it places on regulatory processes. On one hand, supporters argue that this new requirement will help protect both builders and consumers by providing essential data ahead of regulatory changes. On the other hand, critics might express concern that the additional bureaucracy could slow down the implementation of necessary regulations, thus impacting the timeliness of updates in building standards that are crucial for safety and environmental considerations. The balance between thorough analysis and prompt action will be a central theme in discussions concerning this bill.