On page 4, after line 11, insert the following:
"Sec. 5. RCW
19.27A.045 and 1990 c 2 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) The state building code council shall maintain the state energy code for residential structures in a status which is consistent with the state's interest as set forth in section 1, chapter 2, Laws of 1990. In maintaining the Washington state energy code for residential structures, beginning in 1996 the council shall review the Washington state energy code every three years. After January 1, 1996, by rule adopted pursuant to chapter
34.05 RCW, the council may amend any provisions of the Washington state energy code to ((
increase the energy efficiency))
decrease the construction costs of newly constructed residential buildings. Decisions to amend the Washington state energy code for residential structures shall be made prior to December 1
st of any year and shall not take effect before the end of the regular legislative session in the next year.
(2) The state building code council shall delay implementation of the Washington state energy code for residential structures, 2021 edition. The state building code council must review and amend the Washington state energy code for residential structures, 2021 edition, by January 1, 2024, for implementation by July 1, 2024. The review and amendments to the Washington state energy code for residential structures, 2021 edition, must be for the purpose of reducing construction costs and providing the least burdensome alternatives for compliance. The state building code council may not increase, but may decrease, the energy efficiency requirements in the Washington state energy code for residential structures, 2021 edition."