Texas Updates Building Code Standards for Homes and Businesses

House Bill 306 updates the building codes that protect the safety of homes and businesses across Texas. Sponsored by Representative Ron Reynolds, this law changes how cities enforce construction standards for new builds, repairs, and renovations. The law updates two main standards. For homes, it adopts the International Residential Code as it existed on May 1, 2018. For businesses, it adopts the International Building Code from the same date. These codes cover everything from foundation work to electrical wiring, helping make sure construction is safe. The bill includes a special rule for farms. Buildings on agricultural operations will follow an older version of the codes from May 1, 2012. This gives farms more flexibility while still protecting safety. Cities have until January 1, 2027, to get ready for these changes. After that date, all new construction projects and repairs must follow the new standards. Projects that start before January 1, 2027, will follow the rules that exist today. Cities can still review and decide whether to accept newer updates from the International Code Council after May 1, 2018, if they believe those updates benefit their community.