California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB2044

Introduced
2/17/26  
Refer
3/16/26  
Report Pass
4/23/26  
Refer
4/23/26  
Report Pass
5/6/26  
Engrossed
5/14/26  
Refer
5/14/26  

Caption

An act to amend Sections 18930 and 18940.5 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to building standards.

Impact

The implementation of AB 2044 is expected to ensure that building standards reflect a thorough consideration of compliance costs and benefits, thus enhancing accountability and transparency in the regulatory process. It underscores the importance of understanding the economic implications of new regulations on businesses and property owners. By making these disclosures mandatory, the bill aims to protect public interests while ensuring that regulations are economically viable and not overly burdensome.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2044, introduced by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, seeks to amend sections of the California Health and Safety Code concerning building standards, particularly focusing on the approval or adoption process mandated for these standards. Under existing law, all state agencies proposing a building standard must submit an initial statement of reasons that includes estimated costs of compliance, potential benefits, and relevant assumptions. AB 2044 reinforces this requirement by stipulating that if a proposed building standard is accompanied by an incomplete cost estimate, the California Building Standards Commission is prohibited from approving or adopting it.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding AB 2044 stem from concerns that stringent regulations might impede innovation and efficiency within the construction industry. Some stakeholders may argue that the requirement for detailed cost estimations prior to the approval of building standards could slow down the regulatory process, resulting in delays that could affect public safety and timely project completions. Additionally, the balancing act between environmental considerations, safety, and the economic impact of compliance costs could lead to debates among various interest groups.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB306

An act to amend Sections 17958.12, 18931, 18945, and 18948.1 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to building standards.

CA AB2252

Building standards: residential buildings.

CA SB326

Wildfire safety: fire protection building standards: defensible space requirements: The California Wildfire Mitigation Strategic Planning Act.

CA AB2738

Construction guidelines for straw-bale structures.

CA AB272

An act to amend Section 44152 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to air pollution.

CA S1089

Amends the composition of the building code standards committee and would make several technical amendments relative to the building code office and would establish a state building code office within the office of state fire marshal.

CA H5804

Amends the composition of the building code standards committee and would make several technical amendments relative to the building code office and would establish a state building code office within the office of state fire marshal.

CA AB2200

Controlled environment horticulture space: thermal curtains.

CA AB2612

An act to add Section 18944.23 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to building standards.

CA AB2748

An act to add and repeal Section 17929.1 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to building standards.

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