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HF3129 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Commissioner of labor and industry required to adopt rules about unvented attics and enclosed rafter assemblies.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to amend Minnesota's building code rules, particularly focusing on regulations concerning unvented attics and enclosed rafter assemblies. It directs the commissioner of labor and industry to establish these new rules aimed at modernizing and aligning construction practices with energy efficiency standards.

Main Provisions

  • Unvented Attics and Rafter Assemblies: The bill mandates that unvented attics and enclosed rafter assemblies be insulated and air-sealed with air-impermeable insulation. This has to meet specified thermal resistance (R-value) and heat transfer (U-factor) requirements, particularly R30 and a maximum U-factor of 0.038. These rules ensure energy efficiency and compliance with section R402 of the Minnesota Residential Energy Code.

  • Indoor Systems Requirement: Rather than existing requirements for attic ventilation, the bill specifies that to qualify under these new rules, the heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment, including ductwork, must be located inside the unvented attic.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This legislative change proposes a shift from traditional ventilation requirements in attics to new standards that focus on creating a tightly sealed environment with specific insulation standards. This approach is meant to improve energy efficiency and modernize the state’s building codes to align with contemporary building practices.

Relevant Terms

  • State Building Code
  • Unvented Attic
  • Enclosed Rafter Assemblies
  • Air-impermeable Insulation
  • R30 Insulation
  • U-Factor
  • Minnesota Residential Energy Code

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 06, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toWorkforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New rules for unvented attic and unvented enclosed rafter assemblies."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies specific requirements in the State Building Code under section 326B.106, subdivision 4.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "326B.106",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References compliance for smoke detection devices with section 299F.362.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "299F.362",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides exemptions for relocated residential buildings from sections including 326B.439.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "326B.439",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Addresses permit requirements for bioprocess piping under section 326B.92, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "326B.92",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refers to data privacy provisions for bioprocess equipment under section 13.7911.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "13.7911",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Mentions expedited rulemaking process as per section 14.389 for adopting window cleaning safety rules.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "14.389",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Sponsors