Bill Bans Baseboard Heat In Homes Over 500 Square Feet

The text as introduced · 299 words

89R9869 CMO-D

By: Miles
S.B. No. 2292

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to prohibiting the use of electric resistance as a primary

heat source in certain residential buildings.

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. USE OF ELECTRIC RESISTANCE AS PRIMARY

HEATING SOURCE PROHIBITED IN CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS. (a)

This section applies only to residential buildings with a dwelling

area greater than 500 square feet.

(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), and except as provided by

Subsection (c), the primary heat source for a dwelling unit may not

be electric resistance heating.

(c) This section does not apply to a dwelling unit that is

cooled using chilled water.

SECTION 2. (a) Section 388.0045, Health and Safety Code, as

added by this Act, applies only to residential building

construction, remodeling, alteration, enlargement, or repair that

begins under an agreement made on or after January 1, 2026, or that

begins, in the absence of an agreement, on or after that date.

Residential building construction, remodeling, alteration,

enlargement, or repair that begins under an agreement made before

January 1, 2026, or that begins, in the absence of an agreement,

before that date is governed by the law in effect when the agreement

was made or the activity began, as appropriate, and that law is

continued in effect for that purpose.

(b) Not later than December 1, 2025, municipalities shall

establish rules and take other necessary actions to implement

Section 388.0045, Health and Safety Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.