What this is
Texas House Bill 306 updates rules for how homes and businesses must be built safely across our state.
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.
Key details
- Effective Date: January 1, 2027
- Residential Code Version: International Residential Code as of May 1, 2018
- Commercial Code Version: International Building Code as of May 1, 2018
- Agricultural Buildings Code: International codes as of May 1, 2012
- Implementation Deadline for Cities: January 1, 2027
About Texas Legislature
The Texas Legislature is the state legislature of Texas, consisting of the House of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 31 members. Meeting in regular session every two years, the legislature passes stat…
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How this affects households
Under $30,000
If you rent, this won't change your costs. If you own and need major repairs, updated safety codes could mean slightly higher contractor costs but better protection for your family.
$30,000-$60,000
Home repairs and small renovations may cost a bit more due to updated safety requirements. However, stronger building standards help protect your home investment and family safety.
$60,000-$100,000
Any home additions or major repairs will need to meet newer safety standards, which could increase project costs. The trade-off is better construction quality and safety for your family.
Over $100,000
New construction or major renovations will cost more due to updated building requirements. Higher earners are more likely to build custom homes or do large projects affected by these changes.
How to get involved
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