An Act promoting climate safe buildings

HD 1591 establishes a new State Board of Building Regulations and Standards to update building codes with climate resilience requirements. The bill requires local governments to use "expanded floodplain maps" (based on climate projections and flood history, not just federal maps) when setting flood-resistant construction standards. It directly affects cities, towns, property owners in flood zones, and building professionals like architects, engineers, and contractors who must follow updated codes. Key provisions mandate that building standards must address climate risks like sea-level rise and extreme weather while maintaining safety and energy efficiency. The board, with 17 members including climate resilience experts, will develop these new standards.