relative to updating the state building code.
HB 1159 updates New Hampshire's definition of the state building code to reference the 2024 editions of key model codes, including the International Building Code and International Plumbing Code, instead of the previous 2021 versions. This change directly affects builders, contractors, architects, and building inspectors who must comply with the updated code standards for new construction and renovations. The bill specifies that the 2024 versions, along with the National Electrical Code 2023, become effective upon legislative ratification and review by the state building code review board. It does not create new requirements but aligns state law with current model code standards.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
May 2026
Introduced Dec 1, 2025
Signed May 12, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons
What changed between versions
Version adopted by both bodies
→
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION
·
2 edits
MINOR
No substantive policy changes were made between the two versions. The only differences are administrative: the bill was formally chaptered as Chapter 49 (indicating gubernatorial approval), an approval date of May 08, 2026 was added, and minor formatting/line-wrapping adjustments were made throughout the document.
TIMELINE
Approval date of May 08, 2026 was added, confirming the governor signed the bill into law.
TECHNICAL
The bill was assigned Chapter 49 and relabeled from 'Version Adopted by Both Bodies' to 'Final Version,' reflecting its passage through the final legislative step. All formatting differences are purely cosmetic (line wrapping, spacing).
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
14
Key actions
6
Committee
5
Amendments
1
May 12, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor Ayotte 05/08/2026; Chapter 49; eff. 07/01/2026
lower
Apr 9, 2026
Introduced
House Concurs with Senate Amendment 2026-1058s (Rep. Layon): MA VV 04/09/2026 HJ 10 P. 8
lower
Mar 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
Ought to Pass with Amendment #2026-1058s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
upper
Mar 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment # 2026-1058s, AA, VV; 03/12/2026; SJ 6
upper
Mar 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-1058s, 03/12/2026; Vote 4-0; CC; SC 9
upper
Feb 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced 02/05/2026 and Referred to Executive Departments and Administration; SJ 4
upper
Feb 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Ought to Pass: MA VV 02/12/2026 HJ 4 P. 4
lower
Feb 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Report: Ought to Pass 01/28/2026 (Vote 12-0; CC) HC 6 P. 5
lower
Dec 1, 2025
Introduced
Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Executive Departments and Administration HJ 1 P. 8
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Carol McGuire
RRepublican
Co
Heath Howard
DDemocratic
Co
Howard Pearl
RRepublican
Co
Keith Erf
RRepublican
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