Allowing limited exemptions to renewable energy systems requirements for certain school districts.

SB 5941 allows small school districts (with 500 or fewer students) in specific rural counties to be exempt from requiring renewable energy systems (like solar panels) in new school buildings over 10,000 square feet. The bill requires the state building code council to create this exemption by January 1, 2027, without forcing districts to meet additional energy efficiency requirements to qualify. It directly affects eligible school districts in counties designated as one climate zone under existing law, such as Adams, Benton, and Yakima. The exemption applies only to new construction or major additions, not existing buildings.