Texas House Bill HB2019

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to design, construction, and renovation standards for state buildings and facilities.

Impact

The implementation of HB2019 is expected to have significant implications for state standards in construction and renovation practices. By requiring state buildings to meet high-performance standards, the bill promotes a shift towards more sustainable practices within state-funded projects. This could lead to considerable long-term savings on energy expenses and contribute to environmental protection efforts. However, it also implies increased initial costs during the construction and renovation phases as entities will need to invest in meeting these standards.

Summary

House Bill 2019, also known as the 'High-Performance Sustainable Design Standards Act', aims to enhance the design, construction, and renovation standards for state buildings and facilities in Texas. The bill mandates that any state building built or renovated with a cost exceeding 50% of its value must comply with rigorous high-performance building standards. These standards are focused on ensuring energy efficiency, optimal use of natural resources, and improved indoor air quality. Compliance involves achieving certification from a nationally recognized standard and includes third-party verification post-construction.

Contention

While the bill aims at improving sustainability, there may be contention regarding the feasibility and costs associated with meeting the high-performance standards. Critics may argue that such regulations could impose financial burdens on smaller contractors and institutions unable to absorb the costs of adhering to these new requirements. Additionally, concerns may arise about the implementation and verification processes, particularly in ensuring that the standards are genuinely met and enforced throughout the construction phases.