All Roll Calls
Yes: 103 • No: 0
IdahoH 07212026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET
IDAHO BUILDING CODE ACT – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding public school building plan reviews.
Sponsored By: STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Signed by Governor
IDAHO BUILDING CODE ACT
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.
Faster reviews for public works
For public works projects under Idaho law, the local government or the state Division must finish the first plan review within 30 calendar days of submission. This speeds initial reviews and helps keep public projects on schedule.
Model plans required for modular builders
Manufacturers of commercial coaches and modular buildings must submit a building plan for each model to the state for review before use in Idaho. This adds a compliance step and possible costs for these businesses.
School plan reviews: choice, timeline, fees
School districts choose either the state Division or a local government to approve school building plans. For projects over $100,000, they may pick the Division or an eligible local reviewer; at $100,000 or less, they may use any local government. The reviewer must finish the first review within 30 days of submission. Plans must be approved before advertising for bids, and major changes need a new approval. If the Division reviews, the district must submit three sets of working drawings and specs. Reviews must cover building, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, electrical, accessibility, elevators, boilers, and energy. Local reviewers must send the Division a copy of every approved plan. All school work must be inspected by certified building inspectors or Idaho‑licensed architects or engineers. Local governments cannot charge more than the plan review fee the Division sets by rule.
State and local roles for schools
The state Division runs a central program to review building plans and issue permits within its authority. When the Division reviews school plans, it does not check local planning and zoning or the separate chapter 2 requirements in state law. Local governments still issue permits and enforce fire, zoning, land use, and building codes for schools in their area, no matter who did the plan review.
Who can review school plans
Plan reviewers for schools must hold current professional certifications. Plumbing reviewers must also be Idaho journeyman plumbers; electrical reviewers must be Idaho journeyman electricians. Reviewers must be employees of the Division, employees of the local jurisdiction, or work under an interagency contract. If an eligible local government lacks a certified examiner for part of a plan, it can contract with the Division for that piece. Counties may only review plan parts they have authority to enforce. For county‑run reviews, the Division performs electrical and plumbing plan reviews and bills hourly at its rate.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
STATE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Ben Toews
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/30/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 34 • No: 0
House vote • 3/16/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 69 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Reported Signed by Governor on April 2, 2026 Session Law Chapter 277 Effective: 07/01/2026
4/2/2026Returned Signed by the President; Ordered Transmitted to Governor
4/1/2026HouseReturned from Senate Passed; to JRA for Enrolling
3/31/2026HouseRead third time in full – PASSED - 34-0-1
3/30/2026HouseRead second time; filed for Third Reading
3/25/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
3/24/2026HouseReceived from the House passed; filed for first reading
3/17/2026SenateRead Third Time in Full – PASSED - 69-0-1
3/16/2026HouseRead second time; Filed for Third Reading
3/13/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
3/12/2026HouseReported Printed and Referred to Business
2/18/2026HouseIntroduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
2/17/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
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