Tennessee Senate Bill SB1194

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Chaptered: 4/8/25
• Passed: 4/8/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 120, relative to standards for roofs.

Summary

SB1194 amends Tennessee’s roof standards law by creating an exception to the roof solar reflectance and thermal emittance requirements found in the International Energy Conservation Code for low-sloped roofs. Specifically, the bill provides that those requirements do not apply to Tennessee’s 2021 International Code Council adoption. In practical terms, the measure narrows the energy-performance rules that would otherwise govern certain low-sloped roofing systems under the state’s building code framework. The bill also authorizes the state fire marshal to adopt rules to carry out the act, with those rules subject to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act. The act takes effect immediately for rulemaking purposes and for all other purposes on July 1, 2025. Because the bill amends Title 68, Chapter 120, it affects the state’s building and fire code administration and the standards applied to roof design and construction in Tennessee.

Impact

This legislation changes Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 68, Chapter 120, by carving out an exemption from specific International Energy Conservation Code requirements for low-sloped roofs in the 2021 International Code Council adoption. As a result, builders, designers, code officials, and property owners subject to Tennessee’s roofing standards will not be bound by those solar reflectance and thermal emittance provisions for the covered roof type. The state fire marshal is given rulemaking authority to implement the change, which may affect how the exemption is interpreted and enforced statewide.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests the bill was broadly supported, at least in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, where it passed 9-0 with a recommendation for passage and amendment. No committee transcript was provided, but the unanimous committee vote indicates little visible opposition at that stage. The overall posture of the bill appears favorable and technical rather than controversial, with support for aligning or adjusting code requirements rather than expanding regulation.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the decision to exempt low-sloped roofs from the International Energy Conservation Code’s solar reflectance and thermal emittance standards. Supporters likely view the change as a practical code adjustment, while opponents could argue it weakens energy-efficiency or heat-mitigation standards in building construction. Any disagreement would center on whether Tennessee should fully apply those ICC energy provisions or preserve flexibility for roof design, cost, and implementation concerns. The bill’s rulemaking delegation to the state fire marshal may also draw attention from stakeholders who want clarity on how the exemption will be administered.