Harris Energy Efficiency Bill Gives One Insulation Type A Pass

The text as introduced · 364 words

89R958 MP-D

By: Harris
H.B. No. 3314

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to certain energy efficiency performance standards for

residential construction.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 388, Health and Safety Code, is amended

by adding Section 388.0045 to read as follows:

Sec. 388.0045. RESIDENTIAL BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR ATTIC AND RAFTER ASSEMBLIES. (a) This

section applies only to residential construction.

(b) Notwithstanding any requirement contained in an energy

code adopted under Section 388.003(a) or (b), or a local amendment

adopted under Section 388.003(d), pertaining to the insulation of

unvented attic or unvented enclosed rafter assemblies, a local

jurisdiction shall consider an unvented attic or unvented enclosed

rafter assembly to be in compliance with the requirements of the

portion of the energy code administered and enforced by that local

jurisdiction pertaining to the insulation of unvented attic or

unvented enclosed rafter assemblies if:

(1) the attic or rafter assembly is insulated and air

sealed with air impermeable insulation to an R-value of at least:

(A) 20 if the attic or rafter assembly is located

in climate zone 2 or 3; or

(B) 26 if the attic or rafter assembly is located

in climate zone 4; and

(2) the building in which the attic or rafter assembly

is located:

(A) attains a blower door test result of less

than 3.0 ACH50;

(B) has a mechanical ventilation system that does

not rely solely on a negative pressure strategy;

(C) if insulation is installed below the roof

deck and the exposed portion of the roof rafters is not already

covered by air impermeable insulation to an R-value of at least 20

or 26, as applicable, has the exposed portion of the roof rafters

wrapped in insulation to an R-value of at least 3, except that the

rafters are not required to be covered by insulation if:

(i) the rafters are directly covered by

drywall or finished ceiling; or

(ii) continuous insulation is installed

above the roof deck; and

(D) contains inside the building's thermal

envelope the building's indoor heating, cooling, and ventilation

equipment, including ductwork.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.